Netting

[Justy]

I seem to be having loads of creatures wanting a bit of my veg this year.  I am afraid to say I have given in on the slug and snail front and bought some pellets which I shall put in boxes around the place. 

Birds are also being a complete pain. I bought some netting but it is stretchy nylon stuff which is hopeless.  Anyone tell me where I can get some decent stuff that will 'drape' over my canes?

[Justy]

[Sprout]

You could try enviromesh which you could get from www.ferndale-lodge.co.uk (and other places) A 15x7 feet sheet costs £14.95 (cheaper if you buy 2). Think Wilkinsons might sell fruit netting which would probably be cheaper.

[Bagpuss74]

Hi Sprout,

Just ordered some 4m wide stuff from here:

http://www.lbsgardendirect.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=R-PN2&

Very cheap as on offer.  I'll post again when it arrives and see if it's any good.;)

[SpeedyMango]

The black fruit netting from Wilkos is quite cheap, and comes 'folded' rather than scrunched up in a box (which makes it much harder to stretch over stuff).

However, experience shows it doesn't keep pea moths away from peas! The holes must be too big.

Brassicas seem safe from cabbage whites so far though (fingers crossed).

[philcooper]

Justy,

What makes the netting "hopeless"?

Phil

[Bagpuss74]

Justy,

The LBS netting arrived yesterday and looks excellent.  It seems quite strong and the holes aren't too big so should stop birds and a fair few other predators from eating my fruit next year!

[Justy]

Phil - it is too stretchy and just 'curls' back up as soon as you let go of it.  It is also very flimsy and snaps.

Folding stuff sounds like what I am after.  It is to keep the birds off stuff more than insects.  Will have to try and get to Wilko's.

[daveandtara]

my mother in law swears by second hand net curtains from charity shops. i'm new to this growing lark myself, so haven't tried it yet, but MIL seems pretty good at it.
tara xx