Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Tips For Choosing The Best Fence For Your Vegetable Garden

27 March 2015

Hugh Bryant

Garden fences serve many purposes, so knowing the main goal you have for your fence will help your contractor provide the best options to fit your needs. Generally, most garden fences are designed to keep things out, whether it's animals, kids and pets, or passers-by. Other reasons to consider a fence are to provide protection from heavy winds, increase vertical growing space, or for purely aesthetic reasons.

Pest Protection

If the sole purpose of your fence is for protection from animals or people, you will need to list the specific pests you want to protect against. Different fence styles are necessary depending on the pest.

• Rabbit and rodent control, with the exception of squirrel control, only requires a low fence. Generally, a 2-foot tall above ground border fence, with an additional 18 inches of buried fencing, will protect against rabbits and burrowing animals. Fencing will not keep squirrels out of a garden.

• Deer and moose require a stronger and taller fence. An 8-foot tall fence made of wood and mounted on sturdy posts usually works well. Both deer and moose are reluctant to jump into a fenced area if they can't see over it. If you must opt for a lower fence, consider a slanted chain link or wire mesh fence design. Deer cannot jump well over a wide barrier.

• Pets, children, and passers-by. Generally, a lower 4 foot fence is sufficient to prevent accidental trampling of your vegetable garden. You can opt for almost any design, as long as the pickets are spaced closely enough together so your pet or child can't easily slip between them.

Weather Protection

In areas prone to high winds or hail, a fence may be all that stands between your vegetable garden and destruction. In this case, you want to opt for a 4- to 6-foot tall wooden fence. If you don't want to surround the entire bed, you can opt for fencing on the windward side of the garden. This may not provide full protection, but it's usually sufficient for most weather events.

Vertical Space

Many vegetables can climb up a fence, effectively increasing your garden space. Beans, peas, and squash are the usual varieties grown on a fence. If this is the main purpose for fencing in the beds, your contractor will likely recommend a fence with strong but narrow uprights, such as a wrought-iron design, or one made out of steel mesh with sturdy wooden supports. The height of a support fence depends on the plants and your preferences, but a minimum of 4 feet is necessary for most plants.

You can combine aesthetics with other fencing needs. For example, a pretty picket fence can also provide protection from pets and children. Knowing what you need along with the desired final appearance allows you and your contractor to find the best style of fencing for your garden beds. Talk to experts like Mills Fence for more information.

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