Though it sounds technical, garden netting is simply fabric or plastic with small holes that you lay across plants to prevent damage. If you grow vegetables, fruit, or flowers, netting can protect your labor from birds, butterflies that lay caterpillars, and even severe winds. This resource simplifies all in simple language so you may set up Garden Netting, buy, and choose without anxiety.
What kind of garden netting is there?
Garden netting is a light barrier. It lets light, air, and rain pass through, but it blocks the larger things that damage plants. Some netting is supple and adaptable, some is a little stiff, and some is practically like a fine fabric. You choose the one that best fits the threat you want to avoid.
Reasons Why You Might Want It
Netting can stop birds from pecking your strawberries before you can gather them. A finer mesh can keep white cabbage butterflies from continuing to deposit eggs on your brassicas. Stronger netting combined with a frame would be useful if you fight against rabbits, deer, even your neighbors’ cat. Additionally lessening hail damage and mellowing strong sun a touch—both of which help to lessen stress on sensitive seedlings—netting.
The Primary Kinds You’ll Come Across
Usually strong enough to endure several seasons if properly managed, you will find bird netting with bigger holes. With very small holes that prevent aphids, whiteflies, and moths, you will find insect mesh. Additionally available is Sun Shade Netting that lowers heat and sunshine. Although it functions just the same, some people prefer a cloth called floating row cover over a net. The first step in choosing the proper kind is knowing the pest or issue you have.
Mesh Size in Simple Terms
Mesh size measures the size of the apertures. Large holes prevent birds from passing, but they do not affect insects. Small insects are stopped by fine holes, but they also somewhat limit airflow. Select a mesh that often stops butterflies and caterpillars, sometimes between 0.8 and 1 millimeter. You may go much farther for birds. Start with a middle choice—that is, one small enough to stop most visible insects yet simple to work with—if you’re not certain.
Material Values
Polypropylene or polyethylene are most commonly used materials in garden nets. These lightweight polymers endure rain, resist rot, and are UV-stabilized netting long in sunlight. Some nylon nets, which is soft and kind to plants yet can stretch over time, are made. Look for the terms UV-stabilized and check the thickness or weight shown on the label if you want the net to endure many years.
Useful Tools and Extras You Will Probably Need
You do not really require a lot of equipment. Most netting may be cut using scissors. Soft plant ties or clips let you secure it without rips. U-shaped pins or ground pegs keep the edges down. You might construct a frame using PVC pipe, bamboo canes, hoops, even scrap wood. The frame helps to separate the net from fruit and leaves, therefore improving airflow and lowering disease.
Arrange Before You Buy
Measure your bed or row. Add extra on each side to anchor the borders. Consider your means of getting under the net for weeding, watering, or harvesting. You may easily raise a bed with a basic hinged cover. By pinning one side and raising the other like a curtain if you cover long rows with hoops. Organizing the access will save you a lot of later aggravation.
Installing it Step by Step
First arrange your hoops or frame. Drape the net so it hangs evenly on all sides. Pull it firmly but not so hard that it rips. Pin or weigh down the borders with rocks, dirt, or ground pegs. Since pests always find the tiniest gap, make sure there aren’t any at the bottom. If you’re covering fruit trees, cover the canopy loosely and tie the net below the lowest branches, leaving the trunk free so you don’t damage the bark.
Taking Great Care of Your Net
Every now and then shake leaves and trash off so the mesh does not clog. Remove the net after harvest, hose it, dry it, and fold it precisely. Keep it apart from mice and outside of sunshine. A net left outside all winter that is wet and crumpled will last considerably more seasons than one that is clean and dry.
Seasonal Points
Young plants can be shielded from early pest waves in spring with insect mesh. In summer, lettuce and spinach can have their heat load reduced by shade netting. Netting can prevent birds from eating late grapes and raspberries in the autumn. A basic windbreak can be produced in winter by a stronger mesh with fleece or plastic. You will receive more food for the same effort if you alter the cover’s type as the season and insects vary.
Safe Wildlife Care
Pick mesh with a tiny enough hole size to prevent birds and little animals from getting entangled. Seal the borders well. Regularly look over your networked regions. Should you save a trapped animal, wear gloves and release it slowly. Because it is less dangerous for birds and bats and still guards crops, some gardeners convert to extremely fine-holed insect mesh for all.
Price and Budgeting Advice
Starting small and affordable with just a roll of bird netting and a few bamboo poles is easy. If you love the results, purchase UV-stabilized mesh and superior frames. If it saves one crop of berries or brassicas, good netting quickly pays for itself. Think of it as a reusable tool rather than a one-season acquisition. Look for offcuts, split a roll with a buddy, or shop end-of-season specials if money is tight.
When Should You Take it Off
Unless you hand-pollinate or open it during the day, take netting off flowering crops that require pollinators like squash or beans. Get rid of it after the pest threat subsides so that plants may fully receive airflow and you have simple accessibility. As plants grow taller, don’t forget to lift or broaden netting or they will press up and break it.
Elementary Problem Solving
Check for gaps or holes in the mesh and cover them with tape or a patch if your plants are still being eaten. If leaves appear pale or growth is sluggish, you could be obstructing too much light; hence, change to a lighter mesh. Raise the net somewhat higher on a stronger frame to increase airflow if you discover mildew or mold beneath the cover.
Last Considerations
One of the simplest and most efficient means of shielding your crops is garden netting. Begin with a modest aim: to prevent birds from strawberries. Discover how to measure, drape, and fasten the fabric. Store it correctly and cleanse it. You will eventually assemble a modest set of frames and nets for many tasks. You will collect more, consume less, and savor a more relaxed, cleaner garden year after season with a little bit of preparation and attention.
