I’ve written quite a lot about my struggles defending the veggie patch from plant predators and invaders, and after throwing any amount screens, fences, and DIY cages at the problem, my veggie patch was looking more like a prison than a relaxing place to drink my morning coffee.

I didn’t ultimately figure out exactly what was eating my seedlings, but the wire mesh cages with about one inch square openings did work to protect them. On the other hand, they were ugly and snagged my clothes and skin when I walked by or tried to move them to work in my veggie patch.

I considered buying a screen house to put over my garden, but the reviews weren’t outstanding and they all had a bit of shade cloth at the top that I don’t particularly need right now.

What I ended up with was a giant fifty foot by fifty foot net with one inch squares, some string, and the help of a good friend. After a fair amount of swearing and new skills untangling leaves and twigs out of the net, we ended up with an outdoor room with a high enough ceiling that I can walk under it at the tallest points, and work on my knees at the lower points.

My friend suggested adding reflective tape to the net to help to warn birds away. I didn’t have any on hand, but I did have colorful plastic spiral decorations from my kid’s birthday party. There wasn’t any guarantee that the net would keep my plant predators out since rodents could chew right through it, but it seems to be doing the job for now, and I’m happy to be out in my garden again.

It’s been a few days now, and I’m relieved to report that the only creature I’ve had to free from the net is my kiddo, and the plants don’t seem to be showing any new signs of hungry critters… apart from me.