Mesh size should be small. If an adult can poke a finger through the mesh, it could be dangerous to wildlife.
Pick netting that doesn't stretch.
Netting must be taut. Even if mesh size is small, animals and birds can still get caught in loose-hanging netting.
Choose white insect netting as wildlife will find this easier to see and therefore avoid.
GEZI's Anti Insect Netting Frame for Vegie Beds
Each vegie bed is different. GEZI is making this frame for a raised timber vegie bed. You can modify this design to suit your vegie bed style.
For a Raised Timber Vegie Bed (approx. 120cm x 240cm)*
You'll need....
3 lengths of 25mm PVC irrigation pipe (the pipe will be arched over the bed to form 'ribs' - one at either end of the bed and one in the middle)
12 saddle brackets to attach to the exterior of the vegie bed (to anchor the PVC pipe in position)
24 screws to attach saddle brackets
Drill
Wildlife friendly garden insect netting
Netting grommets - screw type. (You can also use shade cloth attachments to hold netting in place)
*If you're vegie bed is wider or longer, you may need to add extra 'ribs' and extra pieces of PVC to the top or sides to brace the arches.
Method...
1.Measure and cut PVC pipe into even lengths - long enough to form an arch over the vegie bed reaching from one side of the base of the raised bed to the base on the other side. Make sure they are long enough that when pulled across to form an arch, access to the vegie bed isn't restricted.
2.Attach saddle brackets to the outside of the raised bed. You will need 4 brackets per arch - one for the base at ground level and the other directly above at the top of the garden bed - placed on either side.
3.Slot the arches into the brackets forming 3 arches that span the width of the bed - one at either end and one in the middle.
4.Place netting over the PVC arch ribs.
5.Make a 'hem' with the edge of the netting by folding a section under. Then attach to one side of the raised bed using netting grommets. Once one side is attached, do the other side, pulling the netting taut.
6.Roll any excess netting by twisting it tightly and tie in place.
