Have you ever wondered what the best way to protect your vegetable garden from unwanted wildlife is? We’ve done the research and come up with ten great options that are cost-effective and easy to build. From temporary plastic fences to expensive wire fences, we have a fence idea that suits any backyard garden. Learn more about how to secure your garden with these twelve vegetable garden fence ideas:
Table of Contents
Vegetable garden fencing ideas
So below, you’ll find that we have highlighted 12 great vegetable garden fencing ideas to help you protect your vegetable garden from wildlife:
- Bird Netting or Bird Barrier
- Chicken Wire or Poultry Netting
- Colored fence
- Make your own Vegetable Garden Fence
- Insect Netting or Bug Net
- Metal Fence Panels
- Metal Mesh Fence
- Plastic Garden Mesh Fencing
- Rope Fence
- Welded Wire Fence
- White Panel Picket Fence
- Wooden Garden Enclosures with Metal Mesh
Something to remember
No matter if you’re in a rural or urban area, there are always animals, birds and pests who want to get to your vegetables. From chickens and deer to cats and dogs, here are ten effective ideas for fences that will keep your garden safe from unwanted wildlife! Don’t forget to consider an overhead enclosure as well to protect against birds and butterflies.
1. Bird Netting or Bird Barrier
Bird netting and bird barriers are both effective ways to keep birds from snacking on your vegetables. Bird netting is a lightweight mesh material that can be draped over tomato cages, trellises, or fences to create an enclosure. It has small enough holes that will prevent birds from getting in.
Depending on the size of the enclosure you need, bird netting can also be set up like a tent with support poles to cover larger areas of your garden. The good thing, it’s almost invisible at first glance – this is important if you’re wanting to maintain your garden’s overall aesthetics.
Bird barriers are an alternative to bird netting that rely on physical barriers instead of mesh material. Plastic or metal meshes have large holes that allow plenty of light and air into your garden while keeping birds out. They come in different designs, colours and sizes so you can find something that fits your garden perfectly.
If you’re having trouble with butterflies making a feast out of your vegetables, bird netting can be the perfect solution. Just suspend PVC tubing over your garden and drape the netting over it to form an enclosure. This will keep nearby butterflies away while allowing plenty of light and air into your veggie boxes.
2. Chicken Wire or Poultry Netting
Chicken wire and poultry netting are both great options for protecting your vegetable garden from birds, animals and pests. Chicken wire is made of thin metal mesh with hexagons that are large enough to keep out most birds. Poultry netting also keeps out birds, but it’s more lightweight and flexible than chicken wire so it can be easily draped over your plants or staked into the ground for a more permanent solution.
Chicken wire is an effective way to protect your vegetable garden from cats, small dogs, rabbits, and woodchucks. The sturdy metal mesh creates a barrier that these animals cannot climb over. However, larger animals such as deer, squirrels or raccoons may still be able to get over the fence so additional measures may need to be taken if you have a problem with these animals
If you’re looking for a way to protect your vegetable garden from larger animals like raccoons, you can construct a frame from wood or PVC pipes and cover it entirely with chicken wire. For extra protection, consider using a combination of metal mesh and plastic mesh as this will create an even tougher barrier that larger animals won’t be able to breach.
3. Colored fence
Spruce up your vegetable garden with a colorful picket fence! Painting each picket in multiple shades of your favorite hues can make it a unique feature that your kids will love. Not only that, but you can use the fence itself to label the different vegetables and herbs growing in your garden.
It’s an easy way for them to identify which plants are which – just remember to paint over the fence at the end of each season so you’re ready for new growth during the springtime. With a little creativity, you can turn an ordinary picket fence into one that adds vibrant energy and color to your garden.
A colorful picket fence might not be the most effective way to protect your vegetables, but it does add a creative and kid-friendly element to your garden. For extra security, consider adding a layer of chicken wire or plastic mesh to the back side of the fence.
4. Make your own Vegetable Garden Fence
Making your own vegetable fence is the perfect way to add a unique and creative touch to your backyard. With some imagination and a few recycled items, you can create an enclosure that protects your vegetables from pests. For example, you can use old pallets to create simple picket fences or reuse materials like driftwood or metal to construct something more intricate.
No matter what you decide, make sure your fence is at least 2 meters high and has close-fitting mesh so that animals can’t get through. This will ensure your vegetables are safe from unwanted pests and predators, while also making a great statement in your garden.
5. Insect Netting or Bug Net
Insect netting or bug netting is an essential part of a gardener’s toolkit. Not only will it keep insects and other critters at bay, but it can also help protect your vegetables from becoming a buffet for birds and other pests. Insect netting is made from lightweight and durable material that forms an effective barrier between the plants and any unwanted visitors, while still allowing you to watch the growth of your vegetables in all stages.
The insect netting can also be used in multiple ways – from covering individual plants to completely wrapping an area with netting, depending on what kind of protection you need. It can be hung over fences, arbors, trellises or even directly on the ground for added protection against certain bugs.
Unlike plastic material, it won’t overheat or cook your plants – plus, it lets water and light through, so you’re not risking any damage to your plants! Additionally, it’s easy to customize – simply cut the material to any size or shape that you need, and then reuse it year after year.
6. Metal Fence Panels
Metal fence panels are a great way to secure your garden and keep unwelcome guests out. Made from tough, durable material, these panels can withstand the elements and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your backyard is secure.
Plus, metal fencing panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your individual needs – whether it be for aesthetic appeal or maximum security. Additionally, metal fencing is extremely easy to set up and customize – simply choose the configuration that best suits you and then attach the panels using screws or nails. You’ll have a sturdy fence up in no time!
You have two main options when it comes to metal fence panels and I will briefly outline them below:
Traditional
Traditional metal fence panels offer a timeless and classic look for your garden. Made from sturdy and durable steel, these panels are built to last and can stand up to harsh weather conditions. With a wide array of sizes and shapes available, you can customize your fence to fit your individual needs.
Modern
Modern metal fence panels are a great choice for those looking to add a contemporary touch to their garden. Made from lightweight aluminium, these panels come in various shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect look for your home. Additionally, modern metal fencing is extremely easy to install.
7. Metal mesh fence
Metal mesh fencing is an ideal choice for those looking for a secure yet stylish boundary for their outdoor space. This type of fencing provides strong security with its interwoven panels, while also allowing air and light to easily pass through. Additionally, metal mesh fence panels are lightweight and easy to install – simply attach them with screws or nails and you’ll have a barrier that’s both beautiful and secure in no time!
Metal mesh fencing is also highly resilient, and capable of standing up to even the harshest weather conditions. Furthermore, it’s also rust-resistant and won’t require any painting or sealing over time – truly hassle-free maintenance! With their versatile design and low costs, metal mesh fence panels make an excellent choice for any garden.
To secure your outdoor space from animals like badgers, foxes, and other larger diggers, be sure to bury metal mesh fence panels at least one foot underground. This will create an effective barrier that is strong enough to keep out even the most determined creatures.
8. Plastic Garden Mesh Fencing
Plastic garden mesh fencing is an effective and versatile solution for defining boundaries around your outdoor space. With its lightweight construction and easy installation, you can create a stylish barrier that fits any shape or size garden. The mesh panels can be used to differentiate sections of your garden, designate off-limits areas, or protect trees and vegetables from nibbling critters.
Plastic garden mesh fencing’s weatherproof nature means it won’t rust or corrode over time, making it an ideal choice for those in coastal locations. Additionally, plastic mesh is far less expensive than metal options, meaning you get a beautiful boundary without breaking the bank.
Plastic mesh fencing is a great solution for those who are looking for a fast and easy way to define the boundaries of their outdoor space. Its lightweight design and fuss-free installation process mean it can be set up in minutes and taken down just as quickly. Though it’s not the most attractive option on the eye, black or white plastic mesh fencing typically comes in a roll, making it so much easier to install.
9. Rope Fence
Rope fencing is a popular and attractive choice for defining boundaries in outdoor spaces. With its lightweight construction and range of colors, rope fencing is an ideal solution that can instantly enhance the look of any garden.
Pole beans are an excellent choice for those looking to save on space and make the most of their outdoor area. Training them to climb along rope fencing is a great way to utilize it like a trellis, not only creating an eye-catching display but also encouraging more vertical growth.
Rope fencing provides the perfect support for pole beans as it is lightweight, adjustable in tension and has great weather-resistant properties, giving your plants plenty of room to grow while providing them with essential support throughout their growing life
Though rope fencing doesn’t necessarily provide the same level of security as the other fencing mentioned, it is still perfect for more decorative purposes. For those looking for extra protection when it comes to wildlife prevention, another option may be installing meshing as a last resort. This will not only add an added layer of security but will also create a more solid barrier around your vegetable garden.
10. Welded Wire Fence
Welded wire fence is a great choice for protecting your vegetable garden, raised beds or small veggie patch. It has a unique design which features smaller holes at the bottom and gradually gets larger towards the top of the fence, allowing you to reach through and harvest food easily.
Made of 16-gauge steel, welded wire fencing is lightweight yet strong and durable. It comes in rolls making it easy to install on T-posts or other posts with plastic ties. With its adjustable widths, welded wire fencing offers an aesthetic solution to secure any outdoor space.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to create a secure barrier around a small garden, welded wire fencing is a sensible option. Made of lightweight, yet durable high-quality metal materials with a galvanized coating to protect it against the elements, this fencing option can be installed quickly and easily with adjustable widths making it ideal for any outdoor space.
11. White Panel Picket Fence
A white panel picket fence is an ideal choice for protecting a vegetable garden. The lightweight yet durable materials with a galvanized coating will ensure that the fence can withstand extreme weather conditions and provide long-term protection.
The classic look of the pickets neatly arranged in evenly spaced posts and rails makes it a great option for those who want to add charm and beauty to their outdoor space too.
Additionally, due to its small hole size at the bottom of each picket, animals are unable to reach through to take your hard-grown vegetables from your garden. This feature makes white panel picket fences an excellent choice for those who need extra security for their vegetable gardens and would like something aesthetically pleasing too.
12. Wooden Garden Enclosures with Metal Mesh
Wooden garden enclosures with metal mesh are a great choice for protecting vegetable gardens. The metal mesh provides added security by deterring small critters and animals from trying to get into the garden, while also allowing sunlight in.
The wooden frames and posts are strong and durable and will last for many years despite being exposed to the elements. With a wooden garden enclosure with metal mesh, you’ll get an attractive-looking design as well as an effective way to protect your vegetables from predators.
Conclusion
So there you have it, twelve different types of fencing you can use to protect your vegetable garden. From the classic white picket fence to a welded wire option, each one offers its own set of benefits in terms of security and aesthetics. No matter what type of fence you choose for your vegetable garden, we recommend doing some research first to ensure that it meets your needs.
