What are the best vegetable garden enclosure ideas?
A flourishing vegetable garden should be unhindered by nibbling wildlife or a backyard soccer game, and this can be accomplished by installing a suitable enclosure. With the variety of material and design options available, you will be able to protect your garden with style and functionality.
Vegetable garden enclosures can be categorized into three types:
- Raised Beds and Tables
- Fencing
- Cages
Options include custom-built, ready-made, or ready to assemble, depending on your DIY ability and budget.
If you like to grow vegetables and want to give them every chance to mature, an enclosure is what you need. You are limited only by your imagination and, of course, your budget. Today, we’ll be taking a look at some great enclosure ideas, as well as some related costs.
if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you.
Vegetable Garden Enclosures
Choosing a garden enclosure starts with determining what size garden you want and whether your enclosure will be seasonal or permanent. Design and materials will depend on your style and budget.
Raised Beds
Gardening in a raised bed is a great option for any space. A DIY bed can be customized to fit your available square footage and the height and width that works for you. Height can range from a minimal six inches to a less back-breaking three feet. A width of three to four feet lets you garden from either side.
Raised beds are typically made of rot-resistant wood but can also be constructed from rocks, pre-formed concrete blocks (decorative or plain), metal, and vinyl/plastic.
There are plenty of ready-made and ready-to-assemble raised garden beds on the market. Garden bed kits come with instructions and everything you need (minus the tools, of course) to assemble the bed yourself. They are a good compromise if you don’t want to start from scratch.
Garden Tables
If you have limited space, consider buying a raised garden table.
Available in a variety of sizes and styles, most garden tables come ready-to-assemble. You can be gardening in a matter of hours.
Tables get your plants up off the ground, offering great protection from animals and insects. They also allow you to garden standing up, a plus for older gardeners.
Sources: Bob Vila
Fencing
Fencing is suitable for all types of gardens, and, in some cases, it may be necessary to keep hungry wildlife away from an in-ground vegetable garden. Temporary or permanent, it’s up to you and your budget.
If you garden in the same spot every year, consider installing a fence that stays up year-round. Permanent enclosures are ideal for the gardener who wants the structure to be integral to the overall appearance of the garden.
Fencing comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to fit any gardener’s need and style. Let’s take a look at some common options.
- Picket fence: This classic design can be built of wood, vinyl, or iron. It usually stands 3 – 4 feet tall and has at least one gate.
- Chicken wire: Chicken wire comes in a variety of hole diameters and roll widths. It can be stretched between wood or metal posts or frames.
- Plastic mesh: Plastic mesh stretched between metal, or plastic poles is a relatively quick, easy, and inexpensive way to offer seasonal protection to the garden.
- Pallets: Local recycling centers often have stacks of used pallets available free for the asking. They are sturdy and environmentally friendly. And you can’t beat the price!
- Electric fence: One of the more expensive options, electric fencing, requires expertise to install and maintain. It is effective in keeping larger animals at bay.
- Wattle: Wattle fencing uses found materials (sticks and small limbs), which are woven between support posts to create a natural and unique enclosure. Finding the right type and quantity of materials can be difficult.
Wire Cost
Let’s talk chicken wire for a moment. It’s versatile, affordable, and effective. For an inexpensive and temporary fence, stretch and attach it between wood or metal posts. Attach it to split rail fencing or wood-framed panels for more permanence and polish. You can even use it in combination with picket fencing or pallets to add a layer of protection against smaller wildlife.
If you’re ok with some DIY, consider a full garden or “just add lumber” enclosure, which comes with brackets, hardware, netting, and building instructions. These kits are an attractive but pricier option to designing your own raised bed or fencing.
Cages
A simple approach to enclosing your vegetable garden is to use a crop cage. Typically consisting of netting or mesh stretched over a support system, cages can cover the entire garden area or individual plants. One thing to consider is how easy it is to move the cage aside when it’s time to harvest the garden.
Individual cages are used when particular plants need to be protected. Usually, on the small side, they’re easy to stack and store in the offseason.
The largest cages have doors that allow a gardener to step inside and work the garden. Setting up these enclosures may require more experience and tools, but, in return, these roomy cages offer your garden more protection. You should carefully consider where you want to put your garden since these people-sized cages are harder to relocate on a whim.
For an intermediate-sized area, build a wood frame and attach garden mesh. Frames may be flat or box-like, depending on the height of the plants you’re trying to cover. It’s important to use lightweight materials to make removal easier.
How Much Do Garden Enclosures Cost?
As with any home project, the “evil budget” rears its head when it’s time to choose the garden enclosure that’s right for you. Cost depends on the size and type of enclosure you want and if you can install it yourself or need to hire someone to install it for you.
There are many garden enclosures available online and in your local home supply center, but this chart offers general costs for some of the options discussed in this article.
| Type of Material | Size | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic mesh | 3’ – 6’ wide rolls | $22 – $280 |
| Picket fencing | 3-5’ x 8’ panel | $32 – $92 |
| Chicken wire | 3’ – 6’ wide rolls | $58 – $120 |
| Electric | Linear foot | $6 – $12 |
| Iron | Linear foot | $35 – $100 |
| Raised tables | Varied | $30 – $200 |
| Kits | Varied | $150 – $2500 |
Sources: Home Depot, Homewyse
Care and Maintenance of Vegetable Garden Enclosures
Netting or mesh cages need little maintenance during the growing season, although you may need to straighten up the posts or mesh after a thunderstorm. Store them clean and dry when the growing season ends.
Permanent garden enclosures will require occasional maintenance, particularly if the wood or iron is painted. Wood lasts for years but can be compromised over time because of ground moisture and weather. Electric fencing should be checked periodically for voltage function.
For any enclosure, you should weed routinely around the perimeter to keep vegetation low. This will prevent small critters from doing unseen damage to the enclosure. A weed-free enclosure looks good and makes for a satisfied gardener and a happy neighbor.
What Garden Enclosure is Right for Me?
The right answer differs for every gardener and garden.
From plastic mesh over a raised bed to wrought iron fencing around a half-acre plot, your enclosure should meet your needs and budget and express your style. With planning, you can protect your garden and ensure that you, not the local wildlife, enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.
Enjoyed this post?
It would be great if you could share it and follow me on Pinterest or Facebook.
