How to Secure Netting Around Raised Garden Beds

Gardening enthusiasts often use raised garden beds to cultivate vegetables, herbs, and flowers efficiently. These beds provide better soil control, improved drainage, and easier access for planting and harvesting. However, one common challenge is protecting the plants from pests such as birds, rabbits, deer, and insects. One effective method is to use netting around raised garden beds. Properly securing netting can safeguard your plants without hindering their growth or your gardening routine.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of using netting, different types of garden netting available, and step-by-step instructions on how to secure netting around raised garden beds effectively.

Why Use Netting Around Raised Garden Beds?

Raised beds elevate your plants above ground level, but they do not automatically protect your crops from pests. Birds can peck at fruits and vegetables; rabbits and other small mammals can nibble on tender leaves; deer may browse on your prized plants; and even large insects can wreak havoc.

Netting acts as a physical barrier that keeps unwanted critters out while allowing sunlight, air circulation, and water penetration. Other benefits include:

• Reducing Pest Damage: Prevents animals from eating or trampling plants.
• Protecting Fruits and Vegetables: Keeps harvests intact until picking time.
• Limiting Disease Spread: Some pests transmit diseases; blocking them reduces infection risk.
• Supporting Plant Health: Allows natural pollination if mesh size is appropriate.
• Easy to Install and Remove: Can be adjusted seasonally or when needed.

Types of Garden Netting

Before securing netting around your raised bed, it’s important to select the right type.

1. Bird Netting

Bird netting has fine mesh designed to keep out birds while allowing light and rain through. It’s usually made from durable nylon or polyethylene.

• Mesh Size: Approximately 1/2 inch or smaller.
• Use: Protects berries, fruits, leafy greens.
• Pros: Lightweight and flexible.
• Cons: May tear if caught on sharp edges.

2. Deer Netting

Deer netting is heavier-duty with larger mesh openings (about 1-2 inches) designed to deter deer but allow smaller pollinators through.

• Material: UV-stabilized polyethylene.
• Use: Larger raised beds with tall plants.
• Pros: Stronger and more durable.
• Cons: Heavier and may require sturdier support.

3. Insect Netting (Row Covers)

Finer mesh materials prevent tiny insects like aphids and cabbage worms from attacking crops.

• Mesh Size: Extremely fine (often spunbond fabric).
• Use: Protects against specific insect pests.
• Pros: Also provides frost protection.
• Cons: Needs close monitoring for plant growth underneath.

4. Shade Cloth with Netting Properties

Some gardeners choose shade cloth with a mesh pattern that also functions as netting , limiting sun intensity while keeping out pests.

Materials Needed to Secure Netting

To install netting securely around raised garden beds you will need:

• Selected garden netting (size appropriate for pests).
• Support structure materials:
• Garden stakes
• PVC pipes
• Wooden frames or hoops
• Metal U-shaped pins or wire staples
• Cable ties or zip ties
• Clips or clamps (optional)
• Scissors or garden shears
• Hammer or mallet (for pins/stakes)
• Measuring tape

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Netting Around Raised Garden Beds

Step 1: Measure Your Raised Bed

Begin by measuring the length, width, and height of your raised bed so you know how much netting you will need. Add extra length on all sides for securing the edges firmly into the soil or frame.

Step 2: Choose Your Support Structure

Netting requires support to keep it elevated above plants without crushing them. The choice depends on bed size, plant height, and available materials.

Options:

• Hoops: Flexible PVC pipes or metal rods bent into arches over the bed provide a tunnel shape supporting the net.
• Frames: Construct a wooden frame around the bed’s perimeter for rigid support.
• Stakes/Pins: Insert stakes at intervals around the bed to anchor the net edges directly in the soil.

Step 3: Install Support Structure

Place your chosen supports over or around the bed:

• For hoops, push ends into soil evenly spaced along longer sides.
• For frames, build a rectangle matching bed dimensions on top of or beside bed edges.

Ensure supports are tall enough to leave room between plants and net to avoid damage as plants grow.

Step 4: Cut Netting to Size

Unroll your netting on a flat surface and cut it with scissors or shears. Remember to leave several inches extra on all sides for securing properly under stakes or frame edges.

Step 5: Drape Netting Over Supports

Carefully drape the net over the support structure ensuring complete coverage of all sides including corners. Avoid stretching net too tightly as this may cause tearing when plants grow.

Step 6: Secure Net Edges

Secure each edge firmly at ground level using one or more of these methods:

Pinning Directly Into Soil:

Use metal U-shaped pins or wire staples every 12-18 inches along edges by hammering them down over wrapped net fabric into soil.

Tying to Stakes or Frame:

Tie cable ties or zip ties through the mesh holes around stakes or attach clips/clamps onto frame rails holding net in place tightly without gaps.

Weighing Down Edges:

If no stakes available, lay heavy objects such as bricks, stones, wood strips along edges outside bed perimeter over folded-under net fabric.

Step 7: Create Access Points if Needed

For easy access during watering, weeding, or harvesting:

• Use clips or cable ties that can be undone temporarily.
• Fold back one edge of net when working inside bed then re-secure afterward.

Alternatively create a hinged frame top with attached net for lifting off easily.

Tips for Maintaining Your Netted Raised Bed

Once installed, regular maintenance helps ensure effectiveness:

• Inspect regularly for holes or tears caused by wind or animals; patch immediately with additional mesh and zip ties.
• Adjust tension seasonally as plants grow taller to prevent contact that can stress foliage.
• Remove netting during flowering if pollination is needed (unless using insect-proof row covers designed for pollinators).
• Clean nets after season ends by removing debris and washing gently before storage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Securing Netting

Avoid these pitfalls that reduce protective effect of your setup:

1. Using Too Large Mesh Size: Allows smaller pests in; select appropriate mesh depending on problem pest species.
2. Leaving Gaps Under Edge: Animals squeeze through unpinned openings; make sure edges sit flush with ground.
3. Tight Net Over Plants: Can break stems; maintain clearance with supportive structures like hoops.
4. Ignoring Plant Growth Needs: Adjust height periodically instead of letting plants push against net leading to damage.
5. Neglecting Access Points: Difficult maintenance discourages use; plan convenient doors/openings in design stage.

Conclusion

Securing netting around raised garden beds is a practical way to protect your valuable crops from a wide range of pests without resorting to chemicals. By choosing appropriate materials for both the netting and its support system, carefully measuring and installing the barrier properly anchored around the bed’s perimeter, you create an effective shield that enhances plant health and yield.

Whether you are warding off hungry birds from strawberries or preventing rabbits from feasting on lettuce leaves, following these detailed steps will help you build a lasting pest protection system tailored for your garden’s needs. With patience and routine maintenance, you can enjoy thriving raised garden beds full of healthy produce season after season!