The Fence Post

In this garden fence example, a 2" x 4" welded mesh was used. Other types of fencing materials would also work well:

• Galvanized before weld or weave (GBW)
  
  • 1/2" x 1" mesh, 16 gauge
  • 1" x 1" mesh, 16 gauge or 14 gauge
  • 1" x 2" mesh, 14 gauge
  • 1" hex mesh, 20 gauge
• Galvanized after weld or weave (GAW) - longer lasting
  
  • 1/2" x 1" mesh, 16 gauge
  • 1" x 1" mesh, 16 gauge or 14 gauge
  • 1" x 2" mesh, 14 gauge
  • 1" hex mesh, 18 gauge
• Vinyl coated - longest lasting
  
  • 1/2" x 1" mesh, 16 gauge
  • 1" x 1" mesh, 16 gauge or 14 gauge
  • 1" x 2" mesh, 14 gauge
  • 1" hex mesh, 20 gauge

Have a little respect for the fence! Here's another:

Now, How to Master Fence Jumping

Now! Here is a series of rigorous tutorials on how to get over a fence safely! 

Please, be careful out there!

What Kind of Garden Fence Do You Need?

Will you build a new garden fence this year?

Are you wondering what kind of fences will work well in your garden?

There are several different types of fences available that are excellent for gardens.

Welded Wire

These fences offer the most choices. They're available in a wide variety of:

• gauges - 16, 14 and 12½
• mesh sizes - ½" x ½", ½" x 1", 1" x 1", 1" x 2", 2" x 2" and 2" x 4"
• finishes - galvanized before weld (GBW), galvanized after weld (GAW) and vinyl coated (VC)

In addition to the standard specifications listed above, there are other styles of fences that are designed for use in and around the garden. Some of these have smaller mesh openings at the bottom of the fence to keep out small animals.

Black Vinyl-Coated Hexagonal Netting - Effective, Long-Lasting

Lighter in weight than welded wire products.

• gauges - 20 and 18 gauges
• mesh sizes - 1" and 2"
• finishes - GBW, GAW, and VC

• gauges - 14.5 and 12½
• mesh sizes - 1" x 6" through 7" x 12"
• finishes - galvanized, zinc/aluminum, and black-painted

Apron Fence - A Very Strategic Barrier

These fences have a 12" apron at the bottom of the roll. Lay this on top of the ground to form a barrier. Animals cannot dig under the fence and enter your garden.

• gauge - 17
• mesh size - 1½"
• finishes - GBW and VC

These fences are labor savers. There is no need to dig a trench and bury the wire. Vegetation grows up through the apron, securely attaching it to the ground. The animals trying to dig into your garden will not realize that they must start their digging 12" away from the fence.

Hardware cloth - Strong and Durable

• Vinyl-coated 19 gauge wire welded into ½" x ½" mesh will discourage the smallest animals
• The vinyl coating extends the lifetime of the fence
• Rolls are 100' in length
• Three heights are available: 24", 36" and 48"

What kinds of fences have you used to protect your garden?  Are you considering all the different types of fences that are available before making your choice?  Do you prefer one type over another?

Plan Your Garden 

Hello to all you passionate gardeners!  Are you planting a garden?

         Do you already have a garden that you are getting ready for the season?

                          Do you have some unwelcome visitors--well, animals--that are sampling the produce?

Your fence built with welded or woven wire mesh - either galvanized or vinyl coated

• Use a smaller mesh, especially at the bottom of the fence, to keep smaller animals from getting into your garden.
• Bury 12" or more of the fence underground to discourage burrowing.
• Bend 12" or more of the fence to the outside of your garden laying it on top of the ground for an effective protecting apron.

• Black vinyl coated 1" hex is ideal - black blends with the background making the fence virtually invisible.
• PVC coating adds years of life to the fence.
• The wire is easy to work with.
• Rolls are available in different widths to suit your needs - from 12" through 90".

• Vinyl coated 19 gauge wire welded into ½" x ½" mesh will discourage the smallest animals.
• Vinyl coated extends the lifetime of the fence.
• Rolls are 100' in length.
• Three heights are available: 24", 36" and 48".

Larger mesh fences - 2" x 2", 2" x 3" and 2" x 4" with a combination of smaller mesh "ground wire."

• The smaller mesh gives protection where it's really needed.
• You have greater strength in the higher sections.

There are many possibilities that allow you to be creative in your approach. Here's a video with one man's solutions:

You will reap the benefits with some advanced planning. And! Check out this video blog for another helpful garden fence tutorial.

Protect your Garden from the Wee Beasties

Watch this video and learn how to install vinyl coated welded wire garden fence. Keep rabbits and other looters from feasting on your plants.