Gopher Netting: A Gardener's Guide to Protecting Your Plants and Garden
Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic activity, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One persistent problem that many gardeners face is dealing with gophers and other burrowing pests that can wreak havoc on plants and disrupt the harmony of a well-tended garden. Enter gopher netting – a versatile and effective solution that can help protect your plants and keep your garden thriving. In this article, we'll explore different ways to use gopher netting in the garden.Read here are some things that you should know when It comes to Olle Garden Beds!
Raised Bed Protection:
- Gopher netting is an excellent choice for protecting plants in raised beds. By placing a layer of gopher netting at the bottom of the bed before adding soil, you create a barrier that prevents gophers from burrowing up into the root systems of your plants. This method is particularly useful for vegetables and flowers that are susceptible to gopher damage.
Tree and Shrub Protection:
- Young trees and shrubs are often vulnerable to gophers, who may chew on their roots and cause long-term damage. Use gopher netting to create protective barriers around the base of these plants. Form a cylinder with the netting and bury it a few inches into the soil to deter gophers from reaching the roots. Make sure the netting is tall enough to account for the potential growth of the plant.
Vegetable Garden Defense:
- Gophers have a particular fondness for vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. To safeguard your vegetable garden, lay gopher netting on the soil surface, securing it with stakes or rocks. This creates a barrier that gophers find difficult to penetrate, preventing them from reaching your precious crops.
Flower Bed Protection:
- Gopher netting can also be used to protect flower beds and ornamental plants. Lay the netting over the soil and secure it in place with garden staples. This not only prevents gophers from burrowing but also helps deter other garden pests like rabbits and moles.
Container Gardening Defense:
- If you're an urban gardener or have limited space, gopher netting is still a valuable tool. Line the bottom of your plant containers with gopher netting before adding soil. This prevents gophers from entering through the drainage holes and ensures the safety of your potted plants.
Fruit Tree Guard:
- Gophers can pose a threat to the roots of fruit trees, potentially compromising their health and productivity. Safeguard your fruit trees by wrapping gopher netting around the base, and extending it a few inches below the soil surface. Regularly inspect and adjust the netting as the tree grows.
Conclusion:
Gopher netting is a versatile and essential tool for any gardener looking to protect their plants from burrowing pests. By incorporating these different methods into your gardening routine, you can create a more resilient and pest-resistant garden, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor without the worry of gopher damage. Happy gardening!