Building Fences Around Vegetable Gardens

Installing a protective fence around your vegetable garden provides numerous benefits. A sturdy boundary saves tender plants from wildlife damage while preventing harm from lawn equipment and playing children. Fences also deter vegetable theft from both animals and humans. When selecting the best fencing for your garden, consider materials, height, aesthetics, installation needs, and maintenance requirements for lasting value.

Top Reasons to Fence Vegetable Gardens

Vegetable plots left accessible to rabbits, deer, groundhogs and other wildlife rarely reach full productivity potential. These hungry pests relentlessly munch ripening fruits and vegetables to nothing but stubs overnight. A fence forms an impassable barrier that keeps plants protected and flourishing.

Similarly, uncovered vegetable gardens often suffer incidental damage. Fast-moving lawn mower blades and swinging weed trimmer cords quickly shred the outer rows of crops. Unattended children sometimes trample through plots in pursuit of toys and balls. A basic enclosure reminds them to respect the garden space while keeping equipment safely outside the perimeter.

Key Benefits of Enclosing Vegetable Gardens

• Deters rabbits, woodchucks, deer, racoons and insects
• Prevents unintended equipment harm from mowers and trimmers
• Discourages children and pets from entering and playing in garden
• Stops vegetable theft from humans, groundhogs and squirrels
• Creates shaded microclimate next to fence for lettuces and greens
• Provides wind protection and support for vining plants
• Designates clear garden boundaries in the landscape

Choosing Fencing Materials Mindfully

Numerous fencing options work well for protecting backyard vegetable gardens. Take time to analyze availability, durability, pest-exclusion abilities, cost, and appearance when selecting best materials for your needs and budget.

Evaluating Common Vegetable Garden Fencing Types

Wood - Cedar and redwood resist decay for many years. Oak and locust last even longer but with higher cost. Bamboo fencing offers a sustainable, natural aesthetic. Rail fences have openings allowing some animals to enter.

Wire Mesh - Galvanized welded wire, chicken wire, concrete reinforcing wire, plastic deer netting and garden fencing have small openings to keep out rabbits and woodchucks. Easy to shape around existing gardens.

Metal - Ornamental wrought iron is expensive initially but becomes cost effective long-term from extreme durability and pest control. Chain link also repels animals but lacks decorative appeal.

Plastic and Vinyl - PVC privacy lattices permit airflow while obstructing pests. Numerous color and pattern options exist for these low maintenance choices. Higher cost often deters small garden owners.

Key Buying Considerations

• Durability and longevity in regional weather conditions
• Ability to exclude likely vegetable pest species
• Affordability within budget constraints
• Appearance blending style with garden design
• Ease of DIY installation or need for professional
• Sustainable and eco-friendly sourcing

Choosing Appropriate Fence Height

Vegetable enclosures should stand at least four feet tall to thwart jumping rabbits and climbing woodchucks. Increase to five or six foot height to further deter deer. However, overly tall barriers shade sun-loving plants. Also consider proportional aesthetics for small garden spaces.

Measuring and Calculating Fencing Quantities

After selecting preferred materials and height, accurately measure the garden perimeter to compute linear footage needed. Remember to account for extra framing around gate openings. Having a few extra feet of material allows room for errors. For oddly shaped plots, map on paper first to simplify measuring undulating edges.

Proper Vegetable Garden Fence Installation

Employ sturdy construction techniques for long lasting, weather and pest resilient structures. Different methods suit permanent versus temporary barriers. Most small animal control fences stand securely on driven posts. Larger or ornamental constructions require dug footings and concrete anchoring. Proper installation prevents early failure.

Step-by-Step Installation Overview

• Map outline with string between corner stakes
• Dig post holes wider than pole diameter
• Space posts evenly every 6-8 feet
• Set terminal posts in concrete for structural integrity
• Verify all poles sit plumb before backfilling soil
• Allow concrete to fully cure before attaching fencing

Connect fencing to posts per manufacturer guidelines using provided hardware. Tension bands, zip ties and wire wraps create secure attachments without tearing mesh materials. Leave some slack rather than making overly taut. Most barriers withstand impact better with slight flexibility to avoid breakage.

Potential Pitfalls and Solutions

Uneven Terrain - Follow surface contours or build up low areas when setting post depths.

Hidden Obstructions - Hand dig holes around utilities or buried rocks. Consider alternative post locations.

Wavy Posts - Verify plumb alignments from two directions before cementing in place.

Bowing Fences - Improperly spaced posts contribute to sagging. Reduce distances between poles.

Ongoing Fence Care and Enhancements

Regular seasonal maintenance keeps vegetable barriers fully functional and aesthetically pleasing for years. Inspect for damage after winter storms and wind events. Check wood components for insect, rot or fungal decay which accelerates failure. Replace deteriorated slats, mesh or posts immediately to maintain structural integrity.

Control weeds, vines or brush growing on or through the fence. Vegetation holds moisture against wood enhancing decay while also compromising barrier effectiveness. Straighten leaning posts using come-along tools or by backfilling soil on the opposite base side.

Enhancing Utility and Beauty

Consider training vining vegetable and herb crops onto fence lines. Pole beans, cucumbers, peas, tomatoes and oregano will readily adhere to mesh or wires. Install supplemental trellises inside for robust vertical growing. Painting structures white improves visibility security, especially at night when pests roam. Planting aromatic flowers like thyme or marigolds at the base masks potential food odors.

Well-built fences define garden boundaries with vertical interest contrasting horizontal lawn spaces. Enclosures also provide windbreaks and shade for compact greens or root crops. They allow easy spraying, pruning and harvest access by enclosing crops rather than splitting an open garden. Plan for quality fencing right from the start for maximized, lasting enjoyment.

Unique Construction Challenges Worth Noting

Most properties have at least one tricky section when installing protective barriers. Common trouble spots include slopes, trees, hardscape elements and utility lines. Prepare for complications at the planning stage.

Steep Grades - Stair-step fence poles on inclines rather than leaving wide gaps along the ground. Avoid extremely tall sections prone to falling over.

Large Trees - Either diverge the barrier to skirt around trunks or incorporate trees into the fenceline using longer spans between posts.

Paved Areas - Frame openings to go around patios and walkways or remove pavers in sections to set posts. Match final style.

Buried Utilities - Keep fences at least several feet away from underground electric, gas, water or sewer routes. Avoid post holes in proximity.

Protecting vegetable garden spaces with sturdy, well-designed fencing brings manifold rewards. Prevent wildlife pest destruction and incidental human damage for improved yields. Enjoy clean, architectural garden definition in landscapes with vertical plant displays against barriers. The small upfront investment in quality fencing repays perpetual, seasonal dividends when fruits and vegetables thrive safely enclosed right where they are planted.