Grow Your Own Magazine

Is netting protection a suitable alternative to chemicals? I am specifically thinking about cabbages/broccoli/cauliflower for overwintering, but interested in this as a general organic alternative for other fruit and veg.

If netting is an option then any tips and experiences of using the various types would be great. I've just had a look and seen (in this case on dobies website) envirofleece, enviromesh and wondermesh. Wondermesh seems to promise great things but at a price too!

Mesh does the job (I prefer mesh over fleece any day - more versatile). By October when the tall brassica are straining out of the nets, I 'raise' them on sticks to protect from birdies overwinter. Mesh over spinach stops it getting splashed too. It offers light protection from frost burn. You can wash mesh, it lasts for years. No contest IMO!

Cabbage:



PSB: August



and October:



Get as big a roll as you can afford - try http://www.lbsgardendirect.co.uk/? Or the Tenax website

Hi

Thanks for photos and reply.

It is probably very obvious, but what are the drawbacks of fleece then?

Also do you go for the enviromesh option with your crops then. I have found a wondermesh too - what are your thoughts on that?
http://www.wondermesh.co.uk/content/view/16/37/

Cheers!

The mesh must be expensive because they don't put the price on their site. I just use netting over the cabbages, cauliflowers and brocolli.

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Regular garden netting can be bought cheaply on many sites.
Don't bother with the expensive enviromesh as it is no different and very expensive.

IMHO - good as an insulator at the start of the season when the ground is wet, or as a shader e.g. for the greenhouse.

It doesn't let the water through (BIG downside)
It goes to rags quickly (you can wash mesh and it will last years)
It cuts out a lot of light

If the budget will only stretch to one, mesh/nets it would be for me!