Looking after your own vegetable garden can be not only a lovely pastime, but also a great way to bring fresh vegetables to your table, inspected by you at every step of the way. Of course, it takes time and dedication, but the results often outweigh the effort.
Seeds, sprouts and vegetables are delicate, however, and require a fence system that can protect them adequately from different potential threats. That’s why we decided to create a guide to help you choose and install a fence for your vegetable garden that’s both safe and effective. Let’s take a look at the factors that should be considered, and how to go about it.
1. Thinking about the location
Where is the vegetable garden located? What are the characteristics of its immediate surroundings? Answering these two questions is essential in order to choose the right kind of fence. Of course, the level of protection needed will vary depending on the location: an isolated vegetable garden, located in open countryside, near a wood or in an area far from the city, primarily calls for a very solid and resistant fence. On the other hand, for a vegetable patch in a private garden, in an urban area, you might opt for a discreet enclosure that combines solidity and aesthetics.
2. Defining the project
A good preliminary design is essential for the success of the project. At this stage, in particular, it is essential to:
Identify the exact perimeters of the fence
This will allow you to work out:
- how many poles are needed and what kind;
- how many meters of wire and net or how many panels you will need.
At this stage, take into account the total amount of space at your disposal, identify the property’s exact borders, and think about the possible future extensions or modifications to the garden. Beyond that, remember to consider what space you will need to:
- move about freely within the vegetable garden;
- install an irrigation system and any partitions.
Finally, ensure that there is convenient access to the garden, which can then be secured with a pedestrian gate.
Choosing your materials
The materials you choose are fundamental to making sure that your fence can withstand the test of time, and be protected against the weathering as well as other kinds of damage. The materials most often used when fencing a vegetable garden are metal alloys and wood. As for the latter, it’s important to highlight that this is subject to attack by insects and to decay caused by the weathering. It is therefore advisable to protect it by treating it with protective and waterproofing coatings.
Good quality metal and plastic fences are solid and durable, and usually require very little maintenance over the years. Let’s take a closer look at this second type of fence.
Work out the dimensions of the fence
It’s important to establish the height of the fence, taking into account any potential risks from which you might want to protect your garden. For example, in the case of large dogs or wild animals, such as deer, the fence should be constructed to a height of at least two metres.
Choosing an installation method
There are different ways to install a metal fence. Here we will look at two in particular:
- installing the fence directly in the ground;
- installing the fence using special cement blocks, buried in the ground.
The choice of one or the other method depends on which specific type of fence is chosen, and the structure of the ground where the fence will be installed. In very compact soil, for example, you can fix the poles directly in the ground itself. Whereas for less stable soil, it would be advisable to use cement to ensure full stability.
Make yourself aware of regulations
It’s always good to get an idea of local and national laws regarding fences and the protection of private property before you proceed with the project.
3. Installing the fence
Once the project has been planned, you can proceed with the actual installation of the fence. In this regard, we suggest our in-depth guide to the most effective ways to install a metal fence. Let’s briefly review the essential steps:
- Install the fence poles, starting from either end, working towards the middle of the fence.
- Install the tension wires.
- Install the wire meshing, taking care to begin from the first post and working towards the last, keeping it taut and fastening it to the intermediate poles and the tension wires as you go.
Concrete cases of installation
Let’s take a detailed look at two typical kinds of location, already mentioned above: vegetable gardens in the open countryside and those in an urban and protected environment.
Fences for vegetable gardens in the open countryside
In this case, the vegetable garden – and its delights – needs protection not just from domestic animals such as cows, horses and sheep, but also from all wild animals such as deer and wild boar.
Therefore, it would appropriate to use a quality metal fence, one with specific characteristics such as:
- solidity and resistance;
- an anti-corrosion treatment to counteract weathering over time;
- a height of at least two meters so as to prevent access to animals capable of jumping very high.
What’s more, it’s important to make sure that the nets are installed at least 50 cm underground so as to prevent animals from digging them up.
Interesting in this type of location are the differentiated mesh fencing. These are typically denser in the lower part, so as to ensure safety and solidity in the parts which would be subjected to greater stress, should animals attempt to intrude.
Metal fencing recommended by Cavatorta
In this specific context we recommend the installation of the following metal meshes:
Esaplax
Fencing in electro-welded zinc and plastic coated wire with rectangular or square-shaped mesh. The vertical and horizontal wires of the electro-welded mesh are both linear and made in zinc coated steel.
Agrisald
An electro-welded mesh produced with rectangular or square meshes with corrosion resistant protective zinc-coating.
Galvanized chainlink
Galvanized chainlink with diamond shaped mesh made using the simple torsion method.
Nodafort
Knotted fencing with differentiated mesh in zinc coated steel obtained through the exclusive Galvafort Process created by Cavatorta.
Refortec
Chainlink wire mesh square-shaped, with zinc/aluminium alloy coated wire 3mm diameter. The high resistance of the large diameter wire allows it to absorb shocks without getting damaged, making the fence more secure.
A fence for a vegetable garden in an urban location
In this situation, the main “threats” are related to the possible presence of pets such as cats and dogs. If the vegetable garden is located within your garden at home, you should also consider its aesthetic appeal, and opt for a fence that is solid but also fits smoothly into its surroundings.
Metal fencing recommended by Cavatorta
In this specific context we recommend the installation of the following metal meshes:
Combiplax
Electro-welded zinc and plastic coated mesh with differentiated mesh and triple selvedge around the edges. The ideal solution for decorating green areas and gardens.
Arcoplax
Plastic-coated metal fencing with differentiated mesh. The arching on the upper border, the curving of the vertical wires and the entwining of the horizontal wires give a harmonious aesthetic appearance which integrates perfectly with flowerbeds and gardens
Esaplax 4×4
Electro welded and pvc coated mesh with square-shaped mesh. Both vertical and horizontal wires are hot dipped galvanised.