Veggiemesh® garden netting provides a chemical-free barrier to protect your crops from insect pest...Veggiemesh® garden netting provides a chemical-free barrier to protect your crops from insect pests. This lightweight, fine-mesh netting stops insects from landing on or feeding on plants while allowing air, light, and rain to pass through. It is widely used by home gardeners and allotment holders across the UK and is ideal for brassicas, carrots, leeks, onions, peas, salads, and seedlings.
Veggiemesh can be laid directly over plants or used with garden hoops or cages for added support. Its fine mesh effectively keeps pests out while allowing crops to grow naturally. It helps protect against many common garden pests, including cabbage root fly, carrot fly, cabbage white butterfly, pea moth, leek moth, cutworm, onion fly, and various aphids. For smaller pests like flea beetles, leaf miners, or whitefly, Veggiemesh® Ultrafine is recommended due to its tighter weave.
Key Benefits:
- Chemical-free barrier protection
- Allows air, light, and rain through
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Can be used over beds, hoops, or cages
- Helps protect against weather stress (mild frosts, wind damage, heavy rain, hail)
In addition to pest protection, Veggiemesh offers an extra layer of defense against weather stress, promoting healthy plant growth throughout the season.
Pollination:
Veggiemesh can remain in place from planting to harvest. However, for fruiting plants that rely on pollinators like bees, the mesh may need to be temporarily lifted during flowering to allow pollination. Ensure enough slack is left for plant growth when laying the mesh directly over plants. Secure the edges using netting pegs or clips, or by burying the sides to prevent insect entry.
Top Tips / Common Mistakes:
- Ensure all edges are fully sealed using clips, pegs, or by burying.
- Leave enough slack for plant growth.
- Lift the mesh during flowering on pollinated crops.
Mesh size: 1.35mm. Light passage = 90%, air passage = 95%. Weight is approximately 55gms/sq.m. Suitable for covering a wide variety of vegetables and fruits.
Best current price£6.30from Gardening Naturally UK
Veggiemesh Insect Netting is designed for home gardeners and allotment holders seeking a chemical-free way to protect crops from a variety of insect pests. Its primary benefit is providing a physical barrier that stops insects while allowing essential elements like air, light, and rain to reach your plants. A key consideration is that for crops relying on insect pollination, the netting may need to be temporarily removed during flowering.
All features
Colour
White
Model Part Number
VM363
Brand
Veggiemesh
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the mesh size of Veggiemesh?
The standard Veggiemesh has a mesh size of 1.35mm. For smaller pests, an ultrafine version is available.
Can Veggiemesh be used in windy conditions?
Yes, it offers protection against wind damage. Ensure the edges are securely anchored to prevent the netting from being lifted or damaged by strong winds.
How long can Veggiemesh be left on plants?
It can remain in place from planting through to harvest. However, for crops requiring insect pollination, it needs to be temporarily removed during the flowering stage.
Will Veggiemesh block sunlight and rain?
No, Veggiemesh is designed to allow 90% light passage and 95% air passage, ensuring plants receive adequate light, air, and rain.
What types of pests does Veggiemesh protect against?
It is effective against many common garden pests including cabbage root fly, carrot fly, cabbage white butterfly, pea moth, leek moth, cutworm, onion fly, and various aphids.
How do I secure the netting to the ground?
You can use specialized netting pegs or clips, place heavy objects like stones along the edges, or bury the edges of the netting into the soil to create a pest-proof seal.
Is this netting suitable for organic gardening?
Yes, Veggiemesh provides a chemical-free barrier, making it an excellent tool for organic pest control methods.
Troubleshooting
Mesh is not stopping all pests.
Ensure all edges are completely sealed by burying or using pegs/clips. Check for any tears or holes in the mesh and repair them. For very small pests like whitefly or flea beetles, an ultrafine mesh may be necessary.
Plants appear to be wilting or struggling.
Check that the netting is not too tight and allows enough slack for plant growth. Ensure adequate watering as the netting can reduce evaporation slightly. Verify that sufficient light is reaching the plants.
Mesh is difficult to handle or tears easily.
Handle the netting gently, especially when unrolling and positioning. Avoid dragging it over rough surfaces or sharp objects. Using a frame or hoops can make handling easier.
Pollination issues on fruiting plants.
Temporarily lift or remove the netting during the flowering period to allow pollinators like bees to access the blossoms. Reapply the netting once pollination is complete.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides effective, chemical-free protection against a wide range of garden pests.
Allows essential air, light, and water to reach plants, supporting healthy growth.
Lightweight and easy to install and manage for gardeners of all levels.
Offers additional protection against adverse weather conditions.
Durable and reusable for multiple growing seasons.
Cons
May need to be temporarily removed for crops requiring insect pollination.
The 1.35mm mesh may not be sufficient for very small pests like flea beetles or whitefly.
Requires careful sealing of edges to be fully effective against pests.
Can snag on sharp objects if not handled with care.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Unroll Carefully: Gently unroll the Veggiemesh to avoid snagging or tearing.
Cover Plants: Lay the netting directly over your crops or supported by garden hoops, tunnels, or cages. Ensure there is enough slack to accommodate plant growth.
Secure Edges: This is crucial. Use netting pegs, clips, or stones to firmly secure the edges to the ground. Alternatively, bury the edges in a shallow trench to create a complete seal against pests.
Check Regularly: Periodically inspect the netting for any gaps or tears and ensure sufficient slack remains as plants grow.
Pollination Management: For fruiting plants that rely on bees (e.g., strawberries, some tomatoes), you will need to lift or temporarily remove the netting during the flowering period to allow pollinators access. Replace it afterward.
Compatibility:
Suitable Crops: Ideal for brassicas, carrots, leeks, onions, peas, salads, seedlings, strawberries, and other vegetables and fruits.
Support Structures: Compatible with garden hoops, netting canes, fleece tunnels, and DIY cages.
Pest Range: Effective against larger insects like butterflies, moths, and flies. For smaller pests like whitefly or flea beetles, consider Veggiemesh® Ultrafine.
Care:
Cleaning: After the growing season, remove the netting and gently brush off any soil or debris. If necessary, rinse with clean water and allow it to dry completely before storing.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and sharp objects, to prolong its lifespan.
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