How to Choose the Right Netting for Your Farm

 

Bird netting - Rural Fencing & Irrigation Supplies

With Australia’s diverse climate and agricultural needs, finding the best solution ensures your plants thrive and your investment is safeguarded.  Whether its birds pecking at ripening fruit, pests damaging crops, or hailstorms threatening your harvest, the right netting can provide a simple and effective solution. By understanding the options available, you can select the ideal netting to safeguard your plants and maximise your yield. Let’s explore the different types of netting available and how they can be used effectively.

Bird Netting: Keeping Feathered Intruders Away

Birds can be both a delight and a challenge for growers. While they add life to gardens, they can wreak havoc on fruit trees and crops. Bird netting offers an effective way to protect your produce without harming the local bird population.

This lightweight netting is designed to create a barrier that prevents birds from accessing fruits and vegetables. It’s especially useful during the ripening season when crops are most vulnerable. Opt for a netting with a fine weave to ensure smaller birds can’t slip through. In many areas of Australia, bird netting is a popular choice for orchards, vineyards, and backyard gardens.

Fruit Fly Netting: A Must for Pest Control

Fruit flies are a persistent problem for growers across Australia. These tiny pests can ruin crops by laying eggs inside the fruit, leading to rot and loss. Fruit fly netting provides a physical barrier that stops fruit flies from reaching your produce.

This type of netting is tightly woven to block even the smallest insects while still allowing sunlight and air to pass through. It’s particularly useful for stone fruits, tomatoes, and citrus trees. By covering your plants with fruit fly netting, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, making it a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.

Hail Netting: Protecting Crops from the Elements

Hailstorms can cause significant damage to crops in minutes. In regions prone to severe weather, hail netting is a worthwhile investment. This durable netting is designed to absorb the impact of hailstones, preventing them from damaging fruit, leaves, and branches.

Hail netting is not just about protection from storms. It can also provide shade, reducing sunburn on crops during hot summers. Farmers often use it for orchards and vineyards, where even minor damage can affect the market value of the produce. Installing hail netting ensures your plants are shielded from unpredictable weather while still receiving adequate light and ventilation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Netting

When selecting netting, consider the specific challenges you’re facing. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Mesh size: Smaller mesh sizes are ideal for pest control, while larger ones are suitable for birds.
• Material: Go for UV-stabilised netting to withstand Australia’s harsh sunlight.
• Installation: Ensure the netting is easy to set up and durable enough to last multiple seasons.

Whether you need bird netting for a backyard garden, fruit fly netting for citrus trees, or hail netting for a commercial orchard, the right choice will depend on your unique needs.

Protecting your crops is essential for a successful harvest, and choosing the right netting can make the process easier and more effective. With different netting options, you can tackle common challenges while promoting healthy, thriving crops.