If you’re looking to protect your precious vegetables from rabbits, deer, and other curious critters, fencing for raised garden beds is a project you can easily tackle yourself. This guide will walk you through the simplest and most effective methods, saving you money and giving you peace of mind.
A good fence does more than just keep animals out. It can support climbing plants like peas and cucumbers, add structure to your garden’s design, and even deter small children and pets from trampling your seedlings. The best part? You don’t need to be a master carpenter to install one successfully.
Fencing For Raised Garden Beds
Choosing the right type of fence depends on your main goal. Are you fighting off burrowing rabbits or jumping deer? The materials and height you select will vary. Let’s break down the most common and user-friendly options.
Choosing Your Fencing Material
You have several great choices, each with its own advantages. Consider your budget, the look you want, and the level of threat.
- Hardware Cloth (Galvanized Wire Mesh): This is the top choice for many gardeners. Its small grid (usually 1/4″ or 1/2″) keeps out even the smallest pests like mice and voles. It’s sturdy, long-lasting, and easy to cut and attach.
- Chicken Wire: A more affordable option, chicken wire is lighter and easier to handle. However, the holes are larger, so determined small animals might squeeze through. It’s also less durable and can rust over time.
- Welded Wire Garden Fencing: This material has larger, square grids (often 2″x3″ or 2″x4″). It’s excellent for keeping out rabbits and larger animals but won’t stop tiny pests. It’s very rigid and good for creating straight panels.
- Bamboo or Reed Screening: For a natural, decorative look, these are lovely. They offer more visual privacy and wind protection than wire, but they won’t physically stop a hungry animal. They work best as a gentle deterrent or for purely aesthetic purposes.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Gathering everything before you start makes the job go smoothly. Here’s a basic list:
- Your chosen fencing material (measure your bed’s perimeter to calculate needed length)
- Wooden stakes (2x2s or garden stakes) or metal posts
- A post driver or hammer
- Wire cutters or heavy-duty scissors
- Staple gun (for wood beds) or zip ties (for metal or composite beds)
- Measuring tape
- Gloves and safety glasses
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
This method focuses on a simple, removable fence using wooden stakes and wire mesh—the most versatile approach.
Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fencing
Measure the total length around your raised bed. Add a little extra for overlap. For the height, decide how tall you need it; 2-3 feet is usually sufficient for rabbits, but for deer, you’ll need 6-8 feet. Cut your mesh to size using wire cutters.
Step 2: Install Corner and Support Stakes
At each corner of your raised bed, drive a wooden stake into the ground just on the outside of the bed. The stake should be about 1-2 feet taller than your fencing material. For long sides (over 4 feet), add additional support stakes at the midpoint to prevent sagging.
Step 3: Attach the Fencing to the Stakes
Unroll your cut piece of mesh. Starting at a corner, align it with the stakes. Use a staple gun to securely attach the mesh to each wooden stake. Work your way around the bed, pulling the mesh taut as you go. Overlap the ends at the final corner for strength.
Step 4: Secure the Bottom Edge
This is a crucial step! Animals will try to push under the fence. Use landscape fabric pins or bent pieces of wire to staple the bottom 2-3 inches of the mesh directly to the soil outside the bed. For ultimate protection against diggers, bury the bottom edge 6 inches deep, bending it outward to form an “L” shape underground.
Step 5: Add a Gate (Optional but Handy)
For easy access, leave a small section unattached between two stakes. You can fashion a simple gate from a scrap piece of wood framed with mesh, attaching it with hinges or just hook-and-loop tape for a temporary closure.
Special Considerations for Different Pests
Not all animals are deterred by the same fence. Here’s how to tailor your approach.
- Rabbits & Groundhogs: Use 1/2″ or 1/4″ hardware cloth. Bury the bottom at least 6-12 inches underground, bent outward. A fence height of 2-3 feet above ground is adequate.
- Deer: Deer are jumpers. You need a fence at least 6 feet tall. Welded wire is a cost-effective choice for this height. Angling the fence outward can sometimes make it more effective without needing to be quite as tall.
- Birds & Squirrels: A standard fence won’t stop them. You’ll need to add a lightweight bird netting over the top of the bed, supported by hoops or a simple frame.
Creative and Aesthetic Fencing Ideas
Your fence can be both functional and beautiful. Try these ideas to blend it into your garden.
- Grow a Living Fence: Plant climbing annuals like morning glories or runner beans at the base. They’ll cover the wire with greenery and flowers.
- Use Natural Materials: Weave willow or hazel branches between stakes for a rustic wattle fence. It’s charming but requires more skill to install.
- Paint the Stakes: Use a colorful outdoor paint on your wooden stakes to add a playful or coordinated touch to your garden space.
Maintenance and Seasonal Tips
A little upkeep ensures your fence lasts for years. Check the staples and ties each spring for rust or weakness. Before winter, you might remove the fence if you live in a snowy area to prevent damage from heavy snow load. Store it flat in a shed or garage. If you leave it up, just give it a quick inspection and tighten anything that’s come loose.
Remember, the most effective fence is one that is installed consistently, with no gaps at the bottom or corners. Taking your time during installation pays off all season long with fewer losses to wildlife. Its a rewarding project that directly protects your garden’s harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the easiest garden bed fencing to put up?
For most DIYers, using pre-made welded wire panels and attaching them to metal T-posts with zip ties is the fastest method. No cutting is usually required, and it’s very sturdy.
How do I keep rabbits out of my raised vegetable garden?
The key is using hardware cloth with small holes (1/4 inch) and burying the bottom edge deeply into the ground, at least 6 inches, to stop them from digging underneath.
Can I use chicken wire for raised bed fencing?
Yes, chicken wire works for temporary or seasonal fencing, especially against larger pests like chickens themselves. But for long-term protection against small animals like mice, hardware cloth is a much better and more durable choice.
How tall should a fence be around a garden?
For rabbits, 2-3 feet is enough. For deer, plan on a minimum of 6-8 feet. Always consider if the animal is a jumper or a digger and build accordingly.
Is it cheaper to build your own garden fence?
Absolutely. Purchasing rolls of wire mesh and wooden stakes is significantly less expensive than hiring a professional or buying custom-made panels. You also get to customize the size and shape perfectly for your specific beds.