Garden Netting

What is Garden Netting?

Garden netting refers to a variety of protective coverings made from woven or mesh materials designed to provide support and protection for plants in a garden. These nets come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials, each suited to a particular purpose. From protecting plants from pests to supporting climbing vines or keeping animals out, garden netting plays a significant role in ensuring your garden thrives.

The primary benefit of garden netting is its ability to act as a physical barrier between your plants and potential threats, including insects, birds, deer, and harsh weather conditions. It is typically lightweight, durable, and easy to install, making it an excellent tool for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Types of Garden Netting

Garden netting comes in various types, each designed for specific functions. The type you choose will depend on the purpose you have in mind for your garden. Below, we outline some of the most popular types of garden netting and their uses:

1. Bird Netting

Bird netting is designed to keep birds away from your garden. It prevents them from pecking at fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which can cause significant damage to your plants. Bird netting typically has small holes to prevent birds from getting through while allowing sunlight and rain to reach your plants.

Uses:

• Protects fruits and vegetables from bird damage
• Ideal for berry bushes, grapevines, and fruit trees
• Prevents bird droppings from contaminating crops

Material: Usually made from nylon or polypropylene, which are durable and lightweight.

Benefits:

• Keeps unwanted birds away without harming them
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Allows sunlight and rain to penetrate the plants

Drawbacks:

• Can be difficult to remove if not installed properly
• May need to be replaced after a few seasons of use due to UV degradation

2. Insect Netting

Insect netting is fine-mesh material designed to keep pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars away from your plants. It is an excellent solution for organic gardeners who want to avoid using chemical pesticides. Insect netting provides a physical barrier that blocks harmful insects from reaching your crops, helping you maintain a healthy, pest-free garden.

Uses:

• Protects vegetable and fruit crops from insects
• Helps control pests without the use of chemicals
• Can be used to protect young seedlings and delicate plants

Material: Typically made from fine, lightweight mesh materials like polyester or polypropylene.

Benefits:

• Keeps pests away without harmful chemicals
• Fine mesh allows air, light, and rain to pass through
• Ideal for organic gardening practices

Drawbacks:

• Fine mesh can sometimes be susceptible to wear and tear
• Must be maintained to ensure it doesn’t sag or become damaged

3. Deer Netting

Deer netting is used to protect your garden from deer and other larger wildlife. These animals can wreak havoc on your plants, especially in rural areas where deer populations are high. Deer netting is usually made of strong, durable materials like polyethylene, which can withstand the pressure of larger animals trying to push through it.

Uses:

• Keeps deer and larger animals from eating or trampling plants
• Can be used to surround the perimeter of a garden or individual plants
• Protects delicate flowers, shrubs, and vegetables

Material: Made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or other strong, weather-resistant materials.

Benefits:

• Strong enough to resist the pressure of larger animals
• Lightweight and easy to install
• UV-resistant and weatherproof

Drawbacks:

• Needs to be installed securely to be effective
• May need to be replaced after some time due to UV degradation

4. Climbing Plant Support Netting

Climbing plant support netting is designed to provide support for climbing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and peas. These plants naturally grow upward and benefit from a structure that allows them to spread and climb. Support netting provides that structure, ensuring that plants grow in an organized and controlled manner, preventing them from becoming tangled or weighed down.

Uses:

• Supports climbing plants like tomatoes, beans, and peas
• Helps prevent plants from sprawling on the ground
• Allows for better air circulation around plants

Material: Typically made from sturdy materials like nylon or polyester, which provide adequate support for plants.

Benefits:

• Keeps plants off the ground and promotes better air circulation
• Prevents damage to plant stems by keeping them upright
• Reduces disease risk by preventing soil contact

Drawbacks:

• Needs to be checked regularly for any sagging
• Can be more expensive than other types of netting

5. Garden Mesh Netting

Garden mesh netting is a general-purpose option that can be used for various applications in the garden. It can be used for pest control, plant support, and even protecting plants from extreme weather conditions like hail or strong winds. Garden mesh netting comes in different sizes and materials, depending on the intended use.

Uses:

• Protects plants from a variety of pests, including insects, birds, and small animals
• Provides general support for vegetables and flowers
• Shields plants from harsh weather conditions

Material: Often made from polyethylene or polypropylene, which are durable and lightweight.

Benefits:

• Versatile and adaptable for different garden needs
• Helps with pest control, plant support, and weather protection
• Easy to install and move

Drawbacks:

• May not be as effective against larger animals like deer
• Requires maintenance to ensure it remains intact and functional

6. Frost Protection Netting

Frost protection netting is used to protect plants from early frosts or cold weather in the spring and fall. It is made from lightweight, breathable materials that help insulate your plants without suffocating them. This type of netting is particularly useful for gardeners who grow tender plants or fruits that are sensitive to frost.

Uses:

• Protects plants from frost and cold temperatures
• Ideal for protecting delicate plants during early spring or late fall
• Provides insulation without blocking airflow

Material: Typically made from non-woven fabric or mesh material that is breathable and lightweight.

Benefits:

• Provides effective protection against frost and cold temperatures
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Doesn’t block sunlight or airflow to plants

Drawbacks:

• Only effective for protecting against frost, not for other pests
• May need to be replaced after several uses due to wear

Choosing the Right Garden Netting for Your Needs

Choosing the right garden netting depends on the specific challenges you're facing in your garden. Whether you're dealing with pests, animals, or weather conditions, the right netting can help protect your plants and improve their overall health. Here are some factors to consider when selecting garden netting:

1. Consider the Purpose of the Netting

Before purchasing garden netting, consider what you want to protect your plants from. If you're dealing with birds, bird netting is ideal. For insect pests, insect netting is your best bet. If you need to keep deer out, consider strong, durable deer netting. For supporting climbing plants, choose a sturdy support net.

2. Material Durability

Look for garden netting made from durable, UV-resistant materials. UV degradation is a common problem with outdoor products, so choosing netting made from high-quality materials will ensure that it lasts longer and continues to provide effective protection for your plants.

3. Mesh Size

The size of the mesh in the netting is another important factor. Smaller mesh sizes are effective for keeping out insects and birds, while larger mesh sizes are more suitable for supporting climbing plants. Be sure to choose the appropriate mesh size based on your needs.

4. Weather Resistance

Since garden netting is often exposed to the elements, ensure that the material is weather-resistant. Some materials are better suited for extreme temperatures, heavy rain, or direct sunlight. Consider the climate of your area when choosing netting to ensure it can withstand the conditions in your garden.

5. Ease of Installation

Some types of garden netting are easier to install than others. For example, lightweight plastic netting can be quickly draped over plants or structures, while heavier materials may require more effort to secure in place. Choose a netting product that aligns with your skill level and the time you're willing to spend installing it.

Installing Garden Netting

Installing garden netting is usually a straightforward task, but it can vary depending on the type of netting you're using. Below is a general guide to help you get started:

1. Prepare the Area

Before installing garden netting, clear the area of any debris, weeds, or plants that could obstruct the netting. If you're using netting for pest control, make sure that the area is properly prepared for planting.

2. Measure and Cut the Netting

Measure the area you want to cover with netting, and then cut the netting to the appropriate size. Leave a little extra netting around the edges to ensure full coverage.

3. Install the Netting

For netting used for protection, such as bird or deer netting, secure the netting along the edges of the garden or around the plants. You can use stakes, ties, or a frame to keep the netting in place.

For climbing plant support, stretch the netting vertically between supports like poles or trellises, ensuring that the netting is taut to provide adequate support for the plants.

4. Secure the Edges

Once the netting is in place, secure the edges with stakes, pins, or ties to prevent it from being blown away by wind or sagging under the weight of plants. Ensure the netting is tight enough to be effective but not so tight that it restricts plant growth.

5. Monitor the Netting

Check the netting regularly to ensure it remains secure and in good condition. Replace or repair any sections that become damaged over time.