Best Garden Netting
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Value
Money should be spent on things like plant food,seeds, irrigation system, and hot dogs for the grill. It’s frustrating enough that your adorable furry backyard neighbors are pilfering your crops, but now you have to spend your hard earned money on keeping them out. We understand this very specific frustration, which is why we made sure to select products that didn’t break the bank. You can buy a pretty large tarp for about the same price as a flat of impatiens- but those are typically thin and a little hard to work with. While we included the most affordable options on this list, we learned more towards the slightly more expensive options that are easier to install and made to last for multiple growing seasons. It may cost you more now, but it will save you money in the long run.
Effectiveness
Of course, this was the first thing that we looked at. If it doesn’t keep those critters out, you have basically just laid down a nice tablecloth for them to dine. One of the most important things about keeping critters out is the size of the mesh holes. The most effective brands use mesh that measure to be between ½ and ¾ of an inch. If it is anything less, you run the risk of limited water and sun to your plants. If it is anything more than- those critters will just hop right through the holes, or worse- get tangled up in them.
Ease of Use
This is another important factor that you might not have considered. These bird garden nets can be a nightmare to use because they have a tendency to hook and snag on every leaf and branch from your plants. This issue is made worse if the company uses a type of plastic that is slightly sticky. We made sure to steer clear of companies that use sticky plastic, because it just doesn’t do a whole lot more to protect your crops, and it only serves to make you want to pull out your hair.
Before jumping in and making a purchase, it’s important to make the proper measurements so that you don’t buy more or less than what you actually need. Many people like to create a type of frame using pieces of wood to hand their mesh from. This makes it a lot easier to hang, and won’t interfere with plants in the slightest. Another thing you might want to consider is investing in some sod anchors. You are going to need a way to anchor the mesh to the ground, and you want it to be strong enough, those smart woodland creatures won’t figure out a way around it. Sod anchors are available at your local hardware store, and they are generally pretty inexpensive. So, be sure that you have all of the gear that you need, and get out there and defend your crops!
Durability
Saving money, in the long run, means investing just a little bit more in products that are made to last. We wanted to make sure that we selected designs that were made from materials (such as PVC) that last multiple seasons. One thing that we kept an eye on was whether or not the product had any UV protection. UV protection on these garden nets are designed to keep your plants from becoming sunburned, but they keep the mesh from becoming damaged and brittle when exposed to direct sunlight. If your mesh can withstand the hot summer sun and rain, it will be something that you will be able to use season after season.
Top Ten Garden Nets
1. De-Bird
If you want to keep those pests out of your garden, De-Bird is a great solution that is incredibly easy to work with and provides plenty of protection no matter how many strawberry plants you planted this spring. It does come at a slightly higher price point than some of the others, but it is made to last a really long time so it will likely be the only line of defense you will ever have to buy.
Read moreSizing:
This is one of the largest products that you will find on this list. It measures in at just over 7 feet wide, and an impressive 65 feet long. The net measures in at ½ inch by ½ inch- which is perfect for keeping smaller critters such as birds and ground squirrels away.
Ease of set up:
Sometimes, when it comes to these types of birds garden nettings, you wind up getting tangled up in the materials before the birds do. That is typical because the material is a little bit tacky, and therefore makes it difficult to set up (albeit effective). De-Bird doesn’t use tacky materials, so setting it up should be a snap. Simply throw it over the plants or trees that you want to lock up from the local wildlife, and secure it into place against a frame and anchor it to the ground be using sod anchors (not included).
Other features:
The material used for this garden netting is polypropylene, and it is incredibly durable and weather resistant. Past users have found that is is durable enough to keep ground squirrels from chewing through it. Plus, is considered to be UV resistant which means that it won’t become brittle and wither in direct sunlight. This means that you will be able to use it year after year.
Summary:
If you want something that will cover up a pretty extensive plot of plants- De-bird is going to be your best bet, It does cost more than a lot of others out there on the market, but you get a lot more materials and it will last you a very long time.
2. Ross
For those that are having trouble with deer, this mesh is made specifically to keep them out of your beds. Additionally, it will also keep those smaller freeloads from pilfering from your crops while you are sleeping at night. It is made from strong and durable materials that will be able to hold off from season to season, and it comes in at a really affordable price point.
Read moreSizing:
This is one of the bigger options available on the market, measuring in at 7 feet wide and 100 feet long. This makes it able to cover a lot of ground for larger square and rectangular plots. The mesh holes measure to be about a ½ inch long and ½ in wide. However, if you were looking to create smaller holes, you could overlap the material to so do.
Ease of use:
The material used to make this garden net is a lot more durable than many of the others out there on the market, which makes it a little bit easier to work with. Simply create a frame over your plants (or drape it over) and be sure to anchor it into the ground. You can do so by purchasing additional sod anchors at your local hardware store or just use something you have lying in your shed.
Other features:
The polypropylene plastic is coated with UV protectant film, which means that it will be able to hold up to really dry or wet summers without becoming brittle or full of mildew. It has the structure of wire, but it won’t rust when left outside, making it perfect for being able to use season after season.
Summary:
If you are looking for something that is incredibly sturdy like chicken wire, but is made from durable plastic and is also set at a really affordable price point while still covering a lot of ground- this is going to be a really great option.
3. Gardening Will
If you have found that your plants are under attack from every angle- bugs, birds, and deer- this will make sure that nothing will penetrate through. It is easy to use but packs quite the price tag. If you find that you want to keep everything out, however, this may be well worth the padded price for your needs. If it sounds too good to be true- it just might be. The downside to this type of design is that it might limit the water and sunlight reaching your plants.
Read moreSizing:
Users can pick from any number of sizes to fit their needs. Rolls start at 4 feet by 10 feet (and will cost you about the same as a cup of coffee) and run all the way up to 10 feet by 50 feet (which is one of the more expensive options to make this list). It comes in a roll that makes it easy to place onto your plants.
Ease of use:
Due to the fact that this mesh has little to no hole for even bugs to get through- set up is a snap. You won’t have to worry about it getting snagged on any branches, or getting tangled up before you can even drape it onto the plants. The material is incredibly lightweight, so you can place it right on top and it will not weigh down delicate branches. When the season is over, simply roll it back up and store it in your storage shed for next season.
Other features:
The most handsome aspect of this garden net is that it is able to keep the bugs away. Birds and rabbits might be easy to shoo away if you catch them in the act, but bugs always seemed to be nonplussed by your attempts to evict them. Of course, the downside to this is that your plants might not get the right about of rain or sunshine because the mesh is just so tight.
Summary:
If you want to keep everyone off of your vegetable plants, whether it be birds, bugs, bunnies, or buffalo- this mesh will make sure that no one will make it through, and it won’t cost you all that much. Just keep in mind, however, that it might affect the growth of your plants. You could also think about planting some of the wild edibles like cocoplum.
4. Bird-X
This is another really great choice if you were looking for something that is heavy duty, easy to install, and sports measurements that make it perfect not only for your vegetable plants, but also your fruit trees. Plus, it comes in at an affordable price point that will allow you to buy more canning jars for the excess of crops you will have this year.
Read moreSizing:
This garden net doesn’t ship in a roll but rather in a folded square, and measures in at 28 feet by 28 feet. These dimensions are perfect for square beds as well as fruit trees. The mesh measures in at ¾ of in an inch, which is a good size to keep birds out without the risk of them becoming tangled.
Ease of set up:
Much like the De-Bird garden netting, this one is made from polypropylene mesh that makes it incredibly sturdy and easy to use. To get started, simply unfold the mesh from the packaging and lay it across the bed that you wish to protect. For further protection, you can anchor it to the ground using sod anchors, which may be necessary if you are also fighting off ground squirrels as well.
Other features:
The use of the polypropylene material means that it is incredibly durable, and also offers UV protection. This doesn’t mean it will keep your plants from getting sunburned- but it does mean that the mesh will be resistant to sun damage and can make it become brittle. Due to this, when the harvesting season is over, you can simply slip the covers off of your plants and store them in your shed for the following season.
Summary:
If you were looking for something that was a little more affordable than the De-Bird design but was also made from the same quality materials that could be used for multiple seasons, this is going to be a great addition to your vegetable plots as well as your fruit trees.
5. Easy Gardener
This garden bird net is another great way to keep all of those unwanted visitors away from your crops, and it is simple to install. It uses the best materials that are able to stand up to the elements, and it isn’t as frustrating to install as some of the nylon designs.
Read moreSizing:
What’s great about this garden net is that you can choose what size is best for your needs. They offer sizes that start at 2 feet by 50 feet (and are priced at about the same price point as many of the others making this list) and go all the way up to 7 feet by 100 feet (which is still less expensive than the De-Bird model). The mesh is also slightly smaller than a lot of the others out there, and measures in at just over ½ of an inch.
Ease of use:
To protect your plants, simply drape this material over your plants to keep them safe. It is lightweight enough that it won’t damage your plants. If you really want to keep them protected, we recommend building a frame to drape the mesh over, and then be sure to anchor it into the ground using sod anchors (or something similar that you have in your shed).
Other features:
Like any good mesh, the polypropylene material has been treated with a UV protectant. This means that if you happen to have a rainy summer, or dry, hot summer, you won’t have to worry about your mesh becoming weak and brittle or full of mildew. Due to the fact, you can roll it up at the end of the season and store it in your shed until planting season.
Summary:
If you are in the market for something that is really able to cover a lot of ground while taking it easy on your wallet- this garden net is a great option. Plus, it is durable enough to be able to be used for multiple seasons and maybe good for some wild edibles such as cabbage palm, and it easy to roll up and place in your storage shed for the winter.
6. Agfabric
Agfabric is a great alternative to those that don’t want to tangle with larger plastic mesh and is perfect for not only keeping out critters- but bugs as well. It might not be as durable as some of the other types that are out there on the market, but it is affordable and easy to work with.
Read moreSizing:
There are various different sizes that you can select from, and they range from 4 feet and run all the way up to 20 feet long. The entire mesh weighs just over a pound, so it is incredibly lightweight. The mesh is very small- measuring in at .03 inch by .03 inch- which will keep out pretty much any and all bugs.
Ease of use:
With mesh that has wider dimensions, sometimes it can be more difficult to hang over your plants because the wider holes get caught on every single leaf and branch. With this mesh, it drapes over your plants like a blanket. You will, however, have to find a way to anchor it down or else it will blow away. Investing in some sod anchors are incredibly affordable and will keep this garden net securely in place.
Other features:
Unlike a lot of the plastic models out there on the market, this design keeps bugs out as well- which can be a pest that is almost impossible to remove. Not only can it keep out bugs, but it also is a UV filter that will keep it from becoming damaged to the sun. The lightweight mesh is designed in such a way that it provides added ventilation to your plants so that it will lower the temperature slightly on those brutal mid-summer afternoons.
Summary:
For those that are not only having trouble with critters but with bugs as well- this is a really great garden net that will protect your plants- as well as your trees- and is offered at a price that won’t break the bank.
7. Industrial Tools
Perhaps you spent more than you had intended on seeds and plants, and now you are a little strapped for cash when it comes to keeping critters out. Luckily, Industrial Tools makes a really great mesh that will keep unwanted visitors from stealing your crops and without breaking the bank- because this garden netting will likely set you back just a little more than you spend on your coffee this morning.
Read moreSizing:
This garden net measures in at 6.5 feet wide and 33 feet long. These measurements will make it perfect for larger plots, and will even be beneficial for wrapping fruit trees. The mesh is about 1 inch deep, which is just a little bit bigger than some of the others that measure to be ¾ of an inch.
Ease of use:
While this garden net is very affordable- setting it up may make become a little bit frustrating. The material that is used to make it resembles that of the fishing line, so be prepared for it to snag and get caught on every left and branch. The best way to set this up is to take it small sections at a time. It isn’t something that you are going to be able to throw on and get on with your day. It will work slowly and deliberately, you will be able to cover your plants without too much frustration. Once it is in place, be sure to anchor it to the ground so that it doesn’t blow away.
Other features:
As we stated earlier, one of the best features of this product is the very affordable price. Due to the fact that it is made from nylon stretch material, it is one of the lightest products to be found out there on the market, so there is no risk of it weighing down your plants.
Summary:
This product does have its shortcomings. Due to the fact that the material is stretchy, critters often find themselves becoming tangled up in it. If that is something that concerns you, you might want to spend the additional money to buy a product that doesn’t run this risk. For those that possess the extra patience when it comes to installation- this is is really great option to keep the birds away from your crops.
8. Gardener House
If you have spent all of your money on seed and fertilizer, and find that you don’t have a lot left to spend on plant security, this product will be the perfect solution. It covers a lot of ground, keeps the birds off of your fruit, and comes in at a really affordable price point that is easy on the wallet.
Read moreSizing:
The size of this is a little different than some of the others on the market- is measured in at 28 feet by 28 feet. This is beneficial to those that have larger plots that are square, as well as being the perfect size to drape over fruit trees. The mesh measures to be about over ½ of an inch- which is pretty small in comparison to some of the plastic designs out there that are around ¾ of an inch.
Ease of use:
Typically, when the price tag plummets, the frustration factor rises- and that is still the case with this bird garden net. Users find it frustrating that it seems to catch on every leaf and branch. One way to combat this frustration is to create a frame to affix the mesh to and be sure to work slowly in small pieces to limit frustrations. Be sure that you also use sod anchors (or something similar) to affix it to the ground so that it doesn’t blow away on a blustery summer afternoon.
Other features:
This garden net doesn’t offer a UV filter like some of the others on the market, but it does come with a 100 percent money back guarantee if you find that you aren’t satisfied with its performance. They also provide a customer service line that is helpful if you have any questions about how to keep freeloading critters off of your plants and fruit trees.
Summary:
If you are looking to save a few bucks and while still covering a lot of ground to keep birds off of your plants- this is an excellent option. It might not be the easiest to use, but you can always combat that by working slowly and carefully.
9. Kinglake
KINGLAKE makes something that is similar to the Industrial Tools model in terms of materials used as well as design. It is made to keep birds, ground squirrels, and deer out of your crops, and is just a little bit easier to install than the previous model- but that function comes at a significantly higher price point.
Read moreSizing:
The dimensions of the KINGLAKE model measure to be 13 feet wide and 33 feet long. This makes it perfect for not only larger square and rectangular beds, but it is also perfect for larger fruit trees because the width is larger than most of the others on the market. The mesh is just a little bit smaller than brands such as De-Bird or Bird-x, and measures in at about ½ inch.
Ease of use:
Due to the fact that is is made from lightweight woven material, it might be a little bit difficult to use if you are simply draping it over your plants. To get the best use from this garden net, it might be best to construct a form for which to hang it from. Once it is securely in place, be sure to anchor it to the ground using sod anchors.
Other features:
What makes this bird netting great is that it uses a woven material that is also UV resistant. What this means is that it can be hung in direct sunlight and not become weak and brittle due to sun damage so that you can pack it away once the season is over and use it next year. The materials also make it resistant to mildew and rotting. So, if you are having an impossibly dry summer, or a wet one- this garden net will be able to stand up to any weather condition.
Summary:
For those that want something that is simple, doesn’t cost very much, and is effective at keeping all those annoying little critters out of your strawberry patch- this is a really great investment that will last multiple seasons.
10. Shopping Garden
Shopping Garden makes a mesh that is a little be smaller in terms of the size of the mesh holes than some of the others that you might find on the market. It is incredibly easy to use and promotes a ‘frustration free’ installation. Plus, it comes in at a price point that is incredibly reasonable and won’t break the bank.
Read moreSizing:
Sizing offered for this model is 13.2 feet by 33 feet. This makes it perfect not only for use in larger square or rectangular vegetable plots, but it also makes it ideal for fruit trees. The mesh measures to be about ¾ of an inch, which is pretty standard for most mesh, and will keep out smaller intruders such as birds and ground squirrels.
Ease of use:
Using this mesh is a lot easier than a lot of the others that you will out there on the market. It is a lot more durable and structured which will make it easier to drape. We suggest constructing a cage to hang the mesh upon, and further securing it into the ground with the use of sod anchors to keep those pesky ground squirrels from squeezing under it.
Other features:
Whether it is a rainy summer or a hot and dry summer- this HDPE recyclable nylon that is coated with a UV protectant that will keep it from becoming britting and rotting while out there in the elements. This means that when the season is over, you will be able to roll it up and store it in your storage shed for the winter, and then bring it out when you plant your seeds in the spring.
Summary:
For those that are looking for something this is affordable, yet will still cover a lot of ground at keeping those pests off of your crop- this is going to be a really great solution that is really easy to use.