Ways to keep animals out of your garden: build a simple fence 1 More Than 2

How to build a simple fence for your raised garden {slideshow}

As summer is quickly approaching, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the best part of summer–fresh farm-stand & home-grown vegetables. I started my seeds several weeks ago using biodegradable pots for starting seeds made from newspaper. As soon as the seedlings were large enough, I transplanted them into my raised vegetable garden.

I find transplanting seedlings very challenging. In the past, I’ve grown plants from seeds only to have them die after being planted in the garden. This year, I made sure to read up on hardening off the plants. To ensure their success, it is important to put the plants outside in a protected area for 1 week before transplanting. During the week, I kept a close eye on them, covering them at night if the temperature was cold, and sheltering them during drenching rain storms. After a couple of weeks in the garden, the seedlings are doing well and getting stronger every day.

Now that they plants are established, the second biggest challenge is shared by many: finding ways to keep animals out of your garden. I opted to protect my vegetables by building a simple fence.

Ways to Keep Animals out of the garden. Protect your vegetable garden by building a simple fence.

My snap peas are starting to get big. They need a fence for protection and to double as a trellis for them to grow onto.

First step is to drill two holes into some old metal fence posts.

Posts will be attached to every corner.

The post is screwed directly into the raised garden bed.

The “bean trellis” posts are up.

We’re using some old wire fencing for this project.

With several pieces on hand, we choose the tallest ones for the bean trellis.

Attach one end of fencing to the corner posts by bending the wires around the post.

To make sure that it is secure, wrap the wires all the way around.

After attaching the fencing to the corner stake, we added a center post for stability.

Some screws are added along the bottom of the wire fencing to hold it tight against the wood. This way, animals won’t be able to get under the fence.

More screws! Animals, keep out!

Becuase we’re reusing old fencing, we had to piece together multiple pieces for the bean trellis.

To join pieces of fence, first clip away the vertical wire.

Wrap the horizontal wires together.

Be sure to twist the wires together securely.

Make sure the wires are joined tightly to kelp keep the critters away!

The snap peas are happy — their trellis is complete. Now they can grow tall!

Repeat these steps on all four sides, and you have a garden secuirty system!

Along with an army of marigold plants, I hope that building a fence will protect my vegetable garden. What are other ways to keep animals out of your garden?

Amy (91 Posts)

I am a Freelance Graphic Designer full of creative interests! In my spare time, I love to create something new from something old, embark on home decorating and renovation projects, try out new recipes, and attempt to garden. Beyond the artistic pursuits, I have a love for music and enjoy playing the piano and handbells.