The One Garden Netting You Should Never Use

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When it comes to protecting your plants, choosing the right type of netting can make a world of difference. Whether you're shielding ripening berries from hungry birds, keeping squirrels away from tomatoes, or preventing rabbits from snacking on tender greens, the netting you pick has a direct impact on your garden's success and its safety for wildlife. At first glance, many options can feel similar, but not all garden netting is created equal. One common option, plastic netting with large holes, might actually be doing more harm than good around your garden. It can pose a serious hazard to local wildlife and isn't actually an effective way to keep pests off of your crops in the long run.

Soft plastic netting with large holes may seem convenient, but it's the worst choice a gardener can make. The oversized gaps don't offer much protection against pests, yet they tend to be just wide enough to trap unsuspecting wildlife like songbirds, butterflies, and even small mammals. Once tangled, these creatures can injure themselves or die trying to break free. It's heartbreaking for gardeners who never intended harm and potentially devastating for the local ecosystem. On top of that, netting with large holes doesn't even do its job well — mice, insects, and even determined squirrels can slip past its weak defenses. You're left with damaged plants, useless netting, and the knowledge that your garden may have become a hazard. That's why experts warn against this type of garden covering. It fails to effectively protect your crops, endangers wildlife, and ultimately creates more frustration than it's worth. You should think twice before covering your garden in mesh netting that has holes larger than your fingers.

The good news is you don't have to give up on protecting your plants — there are plenty of safe, effective alternatives to keep pests out of your garden without threatening the wildlife that you might want to enjoy in your backyard. Fine mesh netting is a favorite among experienced gardeners because the small openings can block out berry-loving birds, insects, and even rabbits, all while letting in sunlight, water, and airflow. Your plants will still be able to get everything that they need to survive without the risk of trapping local critters in the process.

You can also use burlap sheets to prevent birds from eating your seeds. While it won't stop every insect, burlap is perfect for shielding young seedlings from sun damage or creating barriers around plants vulnerable to nibbling. It's biodegradable, affordable, and easy to cut to the right size for your garden patches. Both materials provide reliable coverage without the risks that soft netting poses to local wildlife.

If you're ready to upgrade, there are a variety of highly-rated mesh nettings that gardeners swear by, including Garden Tailor's Pest Barrier or POYEE's Garden Netting Roll. These can be draped loosely over your crops or attached to homemade frames for a neater look. You can even build your own plant tunnels by attaching the mesh to PVC hoops over raised beds, creating a customized structure that's practical and attractive. For smaller gardens, consider lightweight insect mesh bags that slip directly over individual plants like peppers or tomatoes. If burlap appeals to you, bulk rolls of natural jute are inexpensive and provide plenty of material for multiple uses around your home and garden.