A vegetable garden needs your emails, hard work, and patience. A garden fence is the best way to protect your plants from a wide range of threats.
The charm of a vegetable garden will be more magnified if it has proper barriers. Make sure you are using a sturdy fence as it will also ensure the security of your property.
Why Fencing A Vegetable Garden Is Important?
Following are some benefits that you get from a proper fence in your vegetable garden.
- In case you are sharing your backyard area with a neighbor then you should use a fence for separating your plants. A fence also provides backyard privacy.
- If you want a kids’ playing area and your garden plot separate then you must use a fence for making the border.
- A fence can also protect your plants from harsh weather such as wind. If you are living in a hot climate then strong sunlight can harm your delicate veggies. A fence is an ideal way to reduce the amount of sunlight your plants receive. The scorching rays of the sun will not reach as fans will provide partial shade to the sensitive plants.
- If you want to give a different look to your vegetable garden then you can also use fencing material to make your garden. By using bamboo panels or a wooden picket fence you can make your vegetable garden extraordinary and attractive.
- The maintenance of a vegetable garden fence is very easy. You have to just apply varnish on it and put away all the dirt with water and soap.
Fencing Material Options
There are different types of fencing material available. You can use them according to your choice. Each material has its appearance, durability, cost, and lifespan. Now we are going to discuss with you some popular material options for fencing your vegetable garden.
WOOD
There are different types of words such as locust, redwood or cedar that can be used for making vegetable garden fences. Wood is naturally rot-resistant and you can use wooden pickets for privacy fencing.
You must avoid using pressure-treated lumber because they are harmful to your vegetable plants. But in case the fencing is not touching directly the roots of the plants in the soil then you can use it.
If you are using upcycled wood for fencing, it will not cost you too much and they are the best option for DIY projects.
MESH
Wire mesh is an economical option you can use alone or with other materials. Chicken wire or welded wire is very inexpensive compared to wooden fencing.
If your budget is low then using wire mesh is best for you. Plastic mesh is another option that will keep away birds and animals because it has netting. Wire mesh is not a long, long-lasting option but it is easy to install and inexpensive.
METAL
Metal fences such as chain-link are very popular. You can use it with wooden split rail fences although it does not look attractive but keeps medium-sized animals away from your vegetable garden.
You can also grow climbing plants near such fences so there is no need to install trellises for them.
VINYL AND PLASTIC
This is an expensive but long-lasting option for making vegetable garden fences. They are very decorative and make your garden adorable. This type of fence also provides a lot of privacy and style to your garden.
DIY Vegetable Garden Fence Ideas
Before installing your fence, you must consider your budget and preference. You should look around and you will find different recycled materials to consider when making a garden border fence.
Below are some incredible ideas to deter annoying animals and birds. According to your needs and preferences, you can choose one of the ideas and protect your plants.
1- A ROPE FENCE
This type of fence shows that you have an aesthetic sense because it looks more ornamental. The advantage of a rope fence is that you can also grow climbing plants such as pole beans and cucumbers along the ropes and use them as a trellis.
2- VARIEGATED PICKETS
This is an incredible DIY idea for creating fencing around your vegetable garden.
You can use scrap wood or branches of old trees to create a unique vibe. The edges of the pickets must be jagged so the birds and critters are kept away from your vegetable plants.
3- BAMBOO POLES
You can easily build a fence in your vegetable Garden by using bamboo poles. By bamboo poles from a retailer for making a fence. There are different ways of making this fence.
You can build a simple picket fence by using bamboo poles. Another way of using bamboo poles is by combining them with standard lumber. You can also wire bamboo pickets to make a chain link.
For arranging bamboo poles in a straight line you must neatly cut the top of the poles just above the node. After turning the bamboo poles into a beautiful vegetable garden fence you can paint them by using different colours that match the vegetables you grow in your garden. Colours will add more beauty and charm to your garden.
4- CRISS CROSS FENCE
This fence looks very classic in your vegetable garden. This will also serve the function of supporting your vining vegetable plants. This fence looks adorable and enhances the beauty of your vegetable garden.
5- WOODEN LATTICE FENCE
A wooden lattice fence is another way of protecting your plants and setting up privacy by blocking off the view between the yard sections. This type of fence looks nicer and unique.
For this DIY project you need to make a frame first and after that nail them between two wooden posts. The finishing of the fence will be done after painting it.
7- PLASTIC MESH FENCE IDEA
It is also a great way of using decorative plastic mesh to protect your vegetable plants. This type of fence is a fashion statement. Plastic is a strong material that protects your plants from the invasion of insects and it is resistant to mould.
Plastic mesh friends are safe for children or animals because there are no sharp parts because of the smooth finishing.
8- OLD STONES AND PALLET FENCE
If you want a natural vibe in your vegetable garden then make a fence with old stones. This DIY project is very cheap as it needs old stones and wooden pallets.
Old stones are used to build a foundation for the wooden pallets. The pallets are on the top of the stones.
9- METAL FENCE
If you are looking to install a sturdy and long-lasting fence then you must select a metal. A metal fence is durable and provides security to your plants.
The material you use for fencing your vegetable garden should be resistant to atmospheric agents. Metal fans are easy to install and affordable.
10- DRIED BUSH FENCE
Another inexpensive way of fencing your vegetable garden is by using dried bushes. This fence looks so alluring. You have to accumulate dried bushes and arrange them in such a way that it looks like a fence.
11- TWIG FENCE
Building a twig fence will be a satisfying and challenging project that gives privacy to your neighbours. Twigs or vines will become more pliable. You should soak them in water for a few hours.
You can weave the twigs between upright poles to form a fence panel. The other way of making a twig fence is by using a wire between two posts. If there are trees in your garden then you can also string a wire between them. Now attached twigs between posts or trees in a lattice pattern diagonally.
12- CHICKEN WIRE FENCE
This type of fence that is made with chicken wire is also included in your garden. This is a simple DIY project that you can easily build by using chicken wire and wood. Don’t forget to add a cute gate to make your garden more adorable.
Maintaining Vegetable Garden Fence
After installing the fence you should keep them in good condition by regular inspection. If there is a need for any repair or replacement then do it on time.
In this section of the article, we will discuss how to maintain DIY vegetable garden fences to make them long-lasting.
REGULAR INSPECTION
When you regularly examine your vegetable garden then you can identify any problem early on. It will become easier for you to solve it. You have to focus on the following points when you are inspecting the fence.
- The stability of the fence post and panel should be regularly examined. Make sure they are secure.
- If you see any sign of damage, for instance, broken panels or loose nails then fix them immediately.
- In case you have to install a fence that is made of wood then you should regularly examine the signs of rot or decay at the base of the fence.
- The hinges and the gate of the fence should also be inspected regularly. Make sure they should smoothly open or close.
REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT
The fence of a vegetable garden should be prepared timely to prevent your precious plants from being damaged. For repairing and replacing your fence you should take the following steps.
- If you find any loose or damaged panels then fix them by tightening screws and nails.
- If there is any broken part you must replace it with a new one or a more durable material.
- Rusted or corroded sections of the metal or wire fences should be replaced with new parts.
- Lubricate the hinges or gate properly so it can open or close easily.
THE COST OF A VEGETABLE GARDEN FENCE
The benefits of fences are more than the cost you will pay for installing them. They will keep out unwanted pests and protect your plants. Now we will discuss the different cost of different materials and their installation so you can easily decide on how much you can invest to install a fence in a vegetable garden.
Budgeting For Materials And Installation
After considering the material and installation of fences you can calculate the expenses you must bear. First, you should consider how much investment is required for a fence in your vegetable garden.
If you are relying on your DIY skills then you first make sure you use the right material that you can easily handle otherwise you need professional assistance. If you install your fence yourself, then your costs are reduced.
For calculating your budget you should consider the average cost for fence panels, posts, gates, and hardware such as screws, hinges, etc.
The budget also depends upon the type and quality of fence panels and the length of the fence you are going to install in your vegetable garden. It is better to do some research before buying the required material to compare the prices from different suppliers.
I know it can be tricky for you to consider different factors including the size and complexity of your vegetable garden. If you can’t estimate the cost of fencing, it’s best to consult an expert.