If you’re getting tired of wildlife preying on your plants, building a garden fence is the answer. Fences are easily obtainable and they are simple to set up, so you can do this project without too much fuss.
Required Tools and Materials
Shovel
Posts
Tape measure
Fence materials
Concrete
Step 1
When picking fencing material, choose one with small holes. This is needed to prevent small animals from coming in. Most fences are either wood or metal. Metal is the better option since it’s more durable. Wood may be cheaper but you’ll need to replace them at some point.
Step 2
Decide on the height. If you’re building a garden fence to keep rabbits out, a fence 2 feet high will be enough. For deer and other large animals, the fence needs to be at least 8 feet high.
Step 3
Before installing the fence, dig a hole near the fence’s bottom. Put in some chicken wire. Arrange it in an L and orient it away from the garden. This will act as a deterrent for animals that like to dig.
Step 4
Mark the areas where the posts will be installed. Dig the holes and put in the posts. Pour some concrete around it or pack it in with dirt. Check if the posts are aligned properly. Now you can start building a garden fence. Gather the materials and secure them to the posts. Depending on the size of the fence, you may be able to attach them yourself or require help.
Note: be careful about using treated lumber for posts. They may contain chemicals and make their way into the soil.
Laying out the Fence Properly
Of course this will depend on the size and shape of your garden. Just to give you an idea, you can try setting down stakes every 8 ft of the area where you’re going to place the fence. For the gate, put a stake in-between two others.
Fasten a string on any one of the stakes. Loop it over the fence corners. When building a garden fence, the post holes should be at least a couple of feet deep. Make it deeper if you want. The rule is that the higher the fence, the deeper the posts need to be.
Tips and Warnings
Make sure you use enough screws to fasten the fence in place. Deck screws should be used. You’ll also need to chop away the excess panels especially those at the corners.
You can ask the people in the store for the right type of fence material to use. If you’re going to use wood, ask what lumber to get and how long they’ll last.
Point out the wildlife you’re trying to keep away so you can get an idea of how high the fence should be. If you want you can also use electric fences. If you do use them, follow the directions for their proper installation.
When you’re done building a garden fence, examine it every now and then. Repair or replace any broken parts so it remains stable.
