Having a vegetable garden can be a very rewarding experience. Growing your own fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs can save money while providing delicious and nutritious food for your family. However, vegetable gardens also face challenges from rabbits, deer, groundhogs and other wildlife who want to feast on your hard work. Using wire mesh fencing is an effective way to protect your garden from critters who might treat it as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
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What are the Benefits of Using Wire Mesh for a Vegetable Garden?
Wire mesh fencing provides a physical barrier that keeps most animals from being able to access your vegetables and fruits. The openings in the mesh are small enough that even small rabbits cannot squeeze through. Wire mesh fencing is durable and can last for many seasons if properly installed and maintained.
Unlike chicken wire, wire mesh has a tighter grid pattern that makes it more difficult for animals to chew through or create openings large enough to fit through. The galvanized or vinyl coatings also prevent rusting and corrosion over time.
Wire mesh for gardens is available in a wide variety of heights like 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet or taller to fit the needs of your garden and the types of animals you want to deter. Shorter fencing can deter rabbits and groundhogs, while taller options are necessary to also keep out deer.
Unlike wood or plastic garden fencing, wire mesh allows air, sunlight, and water to pass through while still providing protection. This means your plants can thrive without the fence interfering.
Wire mesh also provides good visibility, allowing you to monitor your garden plants through the openings. And it can be secured to provide complete enclosure, or left partially open by attaching it to stakes only.
What Types of Wire Mesh Work Best for Vegetable Gardens?
When choosing a wire mesh for your vegetable garden, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Hole size – Look for 1/2 inch or smaller openings to effectively keep out small pests.
- Wire gauge – Lighter wire gauges around 16 to 18 provide enough strength while being easy to work with.
- Coating – Galvanized or vinyl coatings prevent rust and extend the lifespan.
- Height – Shorter 2-3 foot heights deter ground animals, while taller 4-5 foot height also keeps out deer.
- Mesh shape – Square grids are best for shaping neatly around gardens.
Here are some of the most common and effective options:
1. Galvanized Welded Wire Mesh
Galvanized welded wire mesh is one of the most popular choices for vegetable garden fencing. Galvanized steel wire is coated in zinc to prevent rusting and corrosion. This type of wire mesh has a grid pattern with square openings, usually 1/2 x 1/2 inch up to 1 x 1 inch for heavier gauges.
The galvanized welded construction gives it excellent strength while keeping it light enough for easy installation. The galvanized coating provides long lasting protection lasting at least 10 years. This style of wire mesh comes in various height options from 2 feet up to 6 feet tall or more.
2. Vinyl Coated Welded Wire Mesh
Vinyl coated wire mesh is another great option, with similar welded construction but an extra PVC vinyl coating over the galvanized wire. The vinyl coating offers even greater protection against rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan up to 20 years.
Vinyl coated wire is also softer and more flexible than galvanized mesh. That makes it easier to work with and shape around your garden perimeter. The green or black vinyl coating is also less visible and blends into the garden better visually.
3. Hardware Cloth
Hardware cloth is the strongest and most durable option for vegetable garden fencing. It has a woven wire construction where wires are woven in a crisscross diagonal pattern and then galvanized or vinyl coated.
The woven structure makes hardware cloth more rigid and harder to bend. But it also makes it the most secure barrier for keeping pests out of your garden. It has small grid openings just 1/4 x 1/4 inch. Hardware cloth is commonly used with wood frame garden boxes to make cages or enclosures.
One disadvantage is that hardware cloth can be harder to cut and work with. The rigid structure also makes it more difficult to create gates or openings.
4. Chicken Wire
Chicken wire is sometimes used for protecting vegetable gardens since it is very inexpensive and easy to find. However, it has some downsides that make it less ideal for garden fencing.
Chicken wire has a hexagon shaped grid pattern with 1 inch openings that are large enough for small pests like rats and weasels to get through. It is also lightweight with thin gauge wire that is easy for animals to chew through.
Chicken wire lacks any protective coatings so it can rust and degrade quicker. Overall welded wire mesh is a better investment for securing your vegetable garden.
How Much Wire Mesh Do You Need?
When purchasing your wire mesh for garden fencing, you first need to measure the perimeter of the area you want to enclose. Having accurate measurements of the length and width allows you to calculate the total linear footage needed. Add up the measurements for all sides, including any gates.
It’s a good idea to add an extra 10-20% to provide enough extra material for shaping corners, gates, and overlaps. Once you know the total linear footage:
- For straight runs, divide by the height to determine how many rolls to purchase.
- For tensioned perimeter fencing, also factor in adding height to account for embedding wire in the ground.
Purchasing a bit more than you need allows for mistakes and provides extra for future repairs or expansion.
How to Install Wire Mesh Garden Fencing
Installing wire mesh fencing for your vegetable garden involves basic tools and materials:
- Wire mesh fencing
- Wood or metal fence posts
- Nails, staples, zip ties to attach fencing
- Work gloves & safety glasses
- Post hole digger
- Shovel & rake
- String or spray paint to mark layout
Follow these steps for proper installation:
- Mark out the garden perimeter with string or spray paint.
- Space posts 6-8 feet apart around perimeter.
- Dig holes 12″-18″ diameter x 2′-3′ depth.
- Set posts in holes, fill with concrete to secure.
- Allow concrete to cure before installing wire.
- Unroll wire mesh fencing along perimeter.
- Pull fencing taut between each post.
- Use zip ties, staples, nails, or hooks to attach wire to posts leaving no gaps.
- Bury bottom of fence 6-12 inches underground to prevent pests digging underneath.
- Create gates with welded hinges or overlap fencing for access.
Following proper installation techniques results in an effective barrier secured tightly to the perimeter with no loose spots for pests to get through. Maintaining your wire garden fence by checking for holes or damage and making repairs will keep your garden protected.
Conclusion
Installing wire mesh fencing is one of the most effective ways to protect your vegetable garden from wildlife damage. Galvanized or vinyl coated welded wire mesh provides the right combination of pest control, durability, and ease of use for garden fencing. Hardware cloth can also be used for maximum security.
Be sure to choose an appropriate size mesh opening, wire gauge, and height based on the pests you need to deter. Measure the garden perimeter accurately and purchase 10-20% extra wire to allow for mistakes and shaping the fence. Following proper installation techniques for burying, tensioning, and securing the mesh results in long lasting protection for keeping critters out and your vegetables safe!