What do you use to fence a vegetable garden?

When planning a vegetable garden, one of the most important considerations is how to fence it in. A proper fence serves multiple purposes – it keeps out animals that may eat your plants, provides support for vining crops, and gives structure and a finished look to your garden space. There are several fencing options to choose from when protecting your veggie patch. The best choice depends on your specific needs and situation.

Wooden Fences

Wood is a classic fencing material used in vegetable gardens for good reason. Wood fences provide a traditional, decorative look and sturdy, long-lasting protection. Some of the most common types of wooden fences used for veggie gardens include:

• Picket fences – These have closely spaced, vertical wood boards that create an attractive border. They provide security while allowing you to view your garden.
• Privacy fences – Privacy fences have overlapping wooden boards spaced closely together to block views and create seclusion.
• Lattice – Lattice wood panels have crisscrossing strips with open spaces in between. They allow air circulation while providing a semi-transparent border.
• Split rail fences – Split rail fences have horizontal wood beams held in place by vertical posts. They have an open, rustic look well-suited to cottage gardens.

Cedar and redwood are excellent wood choices as they resist rot and insect damage. You can also use pressure-treated woods. A wood fence should be 4 to 6 feet tall around a veggie garden to keep deer and other animals out. Remember to leave a gate for easy access.

Wire & Mesh Fences

For a lighter look that still provides security, wire and mesh fences are a smart choice. There are many stylish options that keep pests at bay while allowing light and airflow:

• Chicken wire – Galvanized chicken wire, with 1-inch openings, provides a low-cost solution for small animal control. It requires posts every 6-8 feet.
• Hardware cloth – Hardware cloth is a woven wire fencing with 1/4-1/2 inch openings. It provides more security than chicken wire and has a clean, finished look.
• Deer netting – Plastic deer netting has a grid pattern with openings too small for deer to get through. It’s lightweight and easy to install.
• Welded wire – Welded wire has a grid of wire rectangles and is stronger than woven wire. Choose galvanized or vinyl-coated wire for best durability.

With wire fencing, wood or metal posts should be spaced every 6-8 feet. You can also install wire against an existing structure like a house, garage or shed wall. Aim for a finished height of 5-6 feet.

Metal Fences

For a contemporary look and industrial strength security for your veggies, a metal fence is a sleek option to consider. Metal vegetable garden fences include:

• Wrought iron – Wrought iron is stylish and strong. Intricate patterns and finials dress up a garden. It does require periodic painting.
• Aluminum – Aluminum fencing won’t rust and is easy to work with. It can mimic fancy wrought iron looks at a lower cost.
• Steel – Steel is affordable and rigid. Galvanized or vinyl-coated steel stands up well to the elements.
• Metal mesh – Metal mesh like chain link provides see-through security. It comes in various colors and sizes.

Metal fence posts should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Typically a 4-5 foot height is sufficient deterrent for veggie gardens. Add lockable gates for convenient access.

Living Fences

If you want a natural, environmentally friendly fence option, living fences create green borders using plants. You can use bushes, hedges, trees and vines to form a living barricade. Benefits include:

• Natural beauty that evolves through the seasons
• Food and shelter for birds, butterflies and pollinators
• Lower costs than constructed fences
• Less maintenance than wood that needs repainting and repair

Some top picks for living garden fences include:

• Evergreen hedges like cedar, yew, boxwood, privet – these grow thickly to block views and animals.
• Thorny bushes like blackberry, raspberry, pyracantha -prickly thorns deter trespassers.
• Espalier fruit trees – training branches horizontally on a trellis creates a living fence that bears fruit.
• Vining plants like grapes, climbing roses, clematis – these cover walls, trellises or mesh fencing with greenery.

Plan for living fences to take about 3 years to fully establish screening and coverage. Although low-maintenance, they do require regular pruning, training and watering.

Stone & Concrete

For a zero-maintenance, permanent veggie garden fence solution, walls and barriers made of stone or concrete do the trick. Options include:

• Brick – Brick walls or pavers lend timeless beauty and stability. Mortar brick for more permanence or dry stack for a movable option.
• Block – Concrete blocks are affordable, neat-looking scaled blocks that interlock for easy DIY installation.
• Stone – Whether natural or faux, stone creates a decorative yet impenetrable living wall around your garden.
• Poured concrete – Concrete that’s poured into forms and allowed to harden makes solid, durable edging.

Masonry veggie garden fences last for decades with no required maintenance. Keep them 2-3 feet tall and don’t forget to add a gate. To soften the look, plant vines or shrubs along the base.

Pickets vs. Privacy Fencing: Pros and Cons

When choosing wooden fencing for your vegetable garden, two popular options are picket and privacy fences. What are the pros and cons of each style?

Picket Fence Pros

• Provides partial security while allowing light and air flow
• Lets you view your garden from all angles
• Aesthetically pleasing, decorative look
• Pickets come in varied shapes for custom designs

Picket Fence Cons

• Not as protective against animals as solid privacy fences
• Require more frequent wood maintenance staining and sealing

Privacy Fence Pros

• Creates secluded, sheltered environment
• Blocks views in and out for total security and privacy
• Made of overlapping boards to deter animals
• Provides anchor support for vining plants

Privacy Fence Cons

• Obstructs sunlight penetration into garden
• Accumulates moisture and dirt which can lead to mold, mildew, and rot
• Can be damaged by strong winds

When deciding between picket and privacy wooden fences, consider your priorities for aesthetics, sunlight, airflow, and security. Pickets offer ornamental beauty with some exposure, while privacy fences maximize protection and seclusion.

Temporary Fencing Options

In addition to permanent fencing, you may want to utilize temporary fencing structures within your vegetable garden for specialized functions:

Plastic Garden Netting

– Lightweight polyethylene netting protects plants from birds and flying pests
– Easy to drape over frames and remove for crop harvesting

– Comes in various mesh sizes from 0.6 to 1.3 inches
– Lets in sunlight, air circulation and irrigation

Row Covers

– Fabric row covers protect seedlings and plants from cold, wind, and insects
– Install using hoops or frames; ventilate during warm weather
– Options include perforated plastic, spunbond fleece, polyester, and mesh
– Reusable for multiple growing seasons

Cloches

– Bell-shaped transparent cloches cover individual plants to create mini-greenhouses

– Polycarbonate or glass cloches provide warmth, retain moisture, and exclude pests
– Ventilate cloches on sunny days to prevent overheating

– Use for heat-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants

Using temporary fencing allows you to modify growing conditions, extend seasons, and control pests without installing permanent structures.

Best Fencing Materials for Vegetable Gardens

When selecting fencing for your vegetable patch, consider these guidelines:

Material	Qualities
Cedar Wood	Beautiful, natural look. Durable, weather-resistant, long-lasting. Provides security and privacy.
Galvanized Welded Wire	Affordable, strong, maintenance-free. Keeps out digging pests. Allows in sunlight and air flow.
Wrought Iron	Ornamental and protective. Won’t be damaged by plants or soil. Requires little care other than occasional paint touch-ups.
Brick or Stone	Attractive, permanent materials. Create microclimates inside garden to extend seasons. No maintenance required.
Cedar Evergreen Hedge	Natural living barricade. Provides shelter, food sources, and beauty. Dense growth blocks pests and views.

Select fencing to match your gardening needs, style and budget. Prioritize durability, security, appearance and accessibility. With the right protective barriers, your veggies will thrive safely within their cozy compound.

Fencing Height Recommendations

How tall should you make your vegetable garden fence? Recommended heights vary by material:

Woven Wire Fences

– Chicken wire: 3-4 feet high
– Hardware cloth: 4-6 feet high

– Deer netting: 8 feet high

Wood Fences

– Picket: 4 feet high

– Privacy: 6 feet high

Metal Fences

– Chain link: 4-5 feet high
– Wrought iron: 4-5 feet high

Masonry

– Brick, block, stone: 2-3 feet high

Living Fences

– Evergreen hedges: 4-6 feet high when mature
– Vining plants: Variable depending on support structure height

Tailor the fence height to your specific pests and plants. For example, deer may require 8 feet, while 2 feet may exclude cats. Get the benefits of visibility, airflow and sunlight with lower heights, or maximize privacy and shelter with taller options.

Garden Gates: Size, Style, Materials

Don’t forget to integrate gates into your vegetable garden fence! Garden gates provide convenient access without compromising security and enclosure. Consider these factors when adding a gate:

Size

– The gate should be wide enough to accommodate wheelbarrows, garden carts and equipment.
– A minimum of 3-4 feet wide is recommended, with larger gates around 5 feet wide for high traffic areas.

Style

– Choose gate styles to match your fence for a cohesive look, like classic wood gates with picket fences.
– Arched or trellised gates add pretty architectural detail.

Materials

– Use durable materials that complement or match your fence, ie: wood, wire, metal, etc.

– Ensure the frame and posts are strong enough to hold up to regular use.

Hardware

– Utilize sturdy hinges, latches, and locks to make the gate functional and secure.
– Include handles for easy opening and closing access.

With the right gate, you can maintain control over your garden entrance while allowing convenient entry and plant transport.

Deer Fencing Tips and Tricks

Deer can wreak havoc on vegetable gardens, destroying produce faster than it can grow. Effective deer fencing is critical to protect your veggies. Useful tips include:

• Use tall fencing, 8 feet high or more, to keep deer from jumping or reaching over.
• Deer can slip through surprisingly small spaces. Avoid openings more than 6 inches.
• Slanted fencing or overhangs deter deer from jumping or leaning.
• Select durable materials like heavy-gauge metal wire or high-tensile woven wire.
• Don’t give deer a “step stool” – keep the base tight to the ground.
• Angle fence outward about 30 degrees to make deer hesitate to approach.
• Leave no gaps where the fence meets the ground or posts – fill with rocks or concrete.
• Install multiple strands of electrified wire for additional protection.
• Use motion-activated alarms or sprinklers to scare away deer.

With an impenetrable fortress using these deer-proofing strategies, you’ll be able to grow vegetables to your heart’s content!

Spacing for Vegetable Garden Fence Posts

Proper post spacing provides the support structure to keep your fence upright, tight, and functional. Recommended maximum distances between posts are:

Fence Material	Post Spacing
Chicken Wire	6-8 feet
Wooden Picket	8 feet
Wooden Privacy	6-8 feet
Chain Link	10 feet
Wrought Iron	8 feet
Wire Hardware Cloth	6-8 feet
Welded Wire	12 feet
Deer Netting	5-7 feet

Use the tightest spacing for high-wind areas. Bury posts 1-2 feet in the ground or set in concrete for stability. Add bracing between posts every 30 feet or at corners for extra strength.

Conclusion

Protecting your vegetable garden is a crucial part of planning a productive growing space. Take time to consider all the available fencing options, from classic wood pickets to modern wire mesh. Select durable materials that will exclude pests and withstand weather while matching your landscape style. Focus on meeting functional needs like animal control, wind protection, and plant support. Dream up decorative enhancements like arbors, trellises and gates. Then enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your gardening labors safely inside a sturdy, well-designed veggie garden fence.