If you’re looking to protect your plants without blocking sunlight or air, fine netting material – delicate and lightweight is the answer. This simple tool is a gardener’s secret weapon for keeping pests at bay while letting your garden thrive.
It’s surprisingly versatile. You can use it to shield seedlings from birds, keep butterflies off your cabbages, or even provide a little shade for delicate seedlings. The key is choosing the right type and using it correctly, which we’ll cover in this guide.
Fine Netting Material – Delicate And Lightweight
This specific type of garden netting is designed to be gentle. Unlike heavy-duty bird netting with large holes, fine netting has a very small mesh. It’s often made from materials like polyethylene or polyester, which are strong but hardly noticeable once installed.
The delicacy means it won’t damage tender plant shoots. The lightweight nature ensures it can rest directly on plants without crushing them, though using supports is often better. It’s the perfect barrier for tiny pests like flea beetles, carrot fly, and cabbage white butterflies.
Why Choose Fine Netting for Your Garden?
There are several reasons this material should be in your shed. First, it’s a physical barrier, so there’s no need for chemical sprays. This is safer for you, your family, and beneficial insects like bees, which can still access flowers if the netting is suspended properly.
Second, it’s multifunctional. Beyond pest control, it can:
- Reduce wind scorch for young plants.
- Filter intense midday sun, preventing scorching.
- Act as a temporary cover for frost warnings in early spring.
Finally, it’s reusable and cost-effective. With a little care, a good quality fine netting can last for many growing seasons, making it a smart investment.
Selecting the Right Netting for the Job
Not all fine netting is the same. The mesh size is the most important factor. Here’s a quick guide:
- Ultra-fine (0.8mm mesh): Best for keeping out all insects, including thrips and leaf miners. Ideal for carrot fly and brassicas.
- Standard insect netting (1.2mm-1.6mm mesh): A great all-rounder for butterflies, birds, and larger insects.
- Shade netting (often a denser weave): Provides 20-50% shade while still allowing good air flow.
Also consider the material color. White or translucent netting is less visible and may be less obtrusive in your garden. Darker netting can provide more shade but might absorb more heat.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the product description for UV stabilization. This treatment prevents the netting from breaking down in sunlight. Also, look for reinforced edges if you plan to attach it to frames or hoops frequently—it prevents tearing.
How to Install Fine Netting Correctly
Installation is crucial. Draping netting directly over plants can work for short periods, but pests like caterpillars and slugs can still reach plants where the netting touches leaves. The best method is to create a structure.
Here’s a simple step-by-step method using hoops:
- Measure the bed or row you want to cover.
- Insert flexible hoops (made from PVC, wire, or even bent branches) every 3-4 feet along the row.
- Drape the fine netting material over the entire hoop structure, ensuring it reaches the ground on all sides.
- Secure the edges thoroughly. Use heavy stones, timber, or U-shaped pegs to bury the edges in the soil. Leave no gaps! Even a small opening is an invitation for pests.
For individual plants or pots, you can make simple tents using garden canes and clothes pegs to secure the netting. It’s a quick and effective solution.
Maintaining and Storing Your Netting
With proper care, your netting will last for years. Always handle it gently to avoid snagging it on sharp corners or tools. When removing it for weeding or harvesting, fold or roll it back rather than dragging it across the ground.
At the end of the season, cleaning is important. Shake off any debris and rinse it with a hose. Let it dry completely before storing. Damp netting folded away can develop mildew and weaken the fibers.
Store it in a cool, dry place, like a shed or garage. A large bag or an old pillowcase is perfect for keeping it dust-free and tangle-free until next spring. Avoid storing it where mice or rodents might chew on it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors with netting. One big mistake is installing it too late. Put the netting in place before pests appear. For example, cover brassicas as soon as you plant them, not when you see the first white butterfly.
Another error is poor securing. Wind can get underneath loose netting and turn it into a sail, damaging both the net and your plants. Check your anchors after storms or strong winds.
Finally, remember to monitor your plants. Netting reduces visibility, so lift it regularly to check for weeds, water the soil, and look for any pests that might have gotten inside somehow. It’s easy to forget whats happening under there.
Combining Netting with Other Methods
For the best results, use fine netting as part of an integrated plan. Practice crop rotation from year to year to disrupt pest life cycles. Use sticky traps inside the netting to catch any flying insects that do manage to get in. Healthy soil grows strong plants that are more resilient to any pest that breeches your defenses.
Creative Uses Beyond the Vegetable Patch
This material isn’t just for veggies. Use it to protect soft fruit bushes like blueberries from birds. Drape it over pond to catch autumn leaves. You can even use it as a temporary screen for delicate container plants that need protection from harsh weather.
Some gardeners use it to create a enclosed area for a patio garden, keeping out pests while creating a pleasant, filtered light effect. The possibilities are nearly endless once you start thinking about it.
FAQ About Fine Garden Netting
Q: Will fine netting material hurt birds or wildlife?
A: If installed tightly and correctly, it is very safe. Loose, large-hole netting is a hazard. Fine, taut netting is visible and difficult for birds to become entangled in.
Q: Can bees get through fine mesh netting?
A: Standard insect netting (1.6mm mesh) will exclude some larger bees. To ensure pollination, you can remove netting when crops are in flower, or use a mesh size specifically labeled as “bee-friendly” (usually around 5mm).
Q: How do I water plants under netting?
A: Drip irrigation or a soaker hose under the netting is ideal. You can also water through the netting with a watering can or hose; the water will pass through easily. The material is not waterproof.
Q: Does the netting affect plant growth?
A> It can create a slightly warmer, more humid microclimate, which often speeds up growth early in the season. Ensure there is adequate air space above the plants to prevent fungal issues from stagnant air.
Q: Where can I buy this type of netting?
A: It’s widely available at garden centers, online gardening stores, and even some hardware stores. Look for terms like “insect mesh,” “crop cover,” or “fine plant protection netting.”
Using fine netting material – delicate and lightweight is a simple, effective step towards a healthier, more productive garden. By choosing the right mesh, installing it with care, and maintaining it properly, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor, pest-free.