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Gardening can be a rewarding experience but it also takes a lot of patience and hard work. You also need tons of protective barriers in place. Protecting your garden means that your plants and crops have a fighting chance to grow. You’ll also improve the quality of your vegetation. A well-maintained garden produces ripe fruits and fresh veggies, which is a big deal if you attend several Farmer’s Markets throughout the year. What if you don’t know how to protect your plants? Fortunately, we’ve taken the liberty of listing 7 tools you can use to safeguard your garden.
Mesh Tarps
To kick things off, we’re starting with Mesh Tarps on our list. Mesh Tarps typically keep pests such as insects, rabbits, and deer out of your flower bed. They also allow for airflow, offer plenty of shade, regulate the temperature of your soil, aid with the growth of your plants, and allow partial sunlight to seep through. Also, these tarps protect your garden from below-freezing temperatures and the occasional hail storm.
There are also several Mesh Tarps out on the market for you to choose from. Each one has a different purpose for protecting your garden. For instance, a Desert Shade Mesh Tarp protects plants that require very little sunlight. On the other hand, a Green Mesh tarp will provide the necessary amount of sunlight and moderate shade for your plants. When it comes to knowing which Mesh Tarp to choose, think about your garden’s needs. What kind of plants are you growing, how much sunlight or water do they need? Asking yourself these questions will help you decide which Mesh Tarp style makes the most sense.
Pest Netting
Another important tool to consider using for your garden protection is Pest Netting. Much like Mesh Tarps, these protective barriers are made from woven ploy that helps prevent pests from destroying your garden. The size of your pest netting is determined by what insect you wish to keep out of your garden and the type of additives added to aid with protection. In addition, they allow for proper airflow and moisture to seep into your flowerbed’s soil. There are several different types of nets out on the market. Hail and Frost Nets protect your garden from inclement weather conditions, while Butterfly Nets prevent caterpillars from feeding off your plant’s leaves. Some advanced pest nets are infused with aluminum strips for light reflection.
There are a couple of ways to apply your Pest Netting. It can be applied over your garden through dirt, clips, or pins to enclose the flowerbed. Another way is draping the net over your raised garden bed and attaching it to the trellising.
Row Covers
Similarly, Row Covers protect your gardens from cold temperatures, high winds, insects, and harmful sun rays. Specifically, the polypropylene fabric shields your plants from frost damage. However, it does allow partial sunlight to penetrate your flowers and crops. Typically, you’ll find two types of Row Covers on the market, which are Heavyweight and Lightweight coverings.
The heavier fabric protects your plants from extreme temperatures and provides tons of moisture for them. Your strawberries, herbs, and perennials will stay insulated all winter long. Lighter covers are ideal for shielding your plants and crops from pests. You won’t have to worry about beetles, birds, or even chipmunks treating themselves to an all-you-can-eat buffet in your garden.
It’s also important to use your Row Covers effectively to help your plants and crops flourish. In the springtime, drape your cover over small transplants and seedlings to help protect them as they grow. Make sure the edges of the cover are weighted down but leave just enough slack for your plants to develop. For pest control, bury the edges of your cover in the soil. If you’re growing large crops, build a mini hoop house or low tunnels. Row Covers can play a crucial role in your plant’s development.
Ground Protection Mats
Ground Protection Mats also help to safeguard your garden and promote healthier plants. They protect your flowers and overall vegetation from heavy foot traffic, which could lead to soil compaction. Even some styles of lawn protection mats allow for partial sunlight to seep through and penetrate your garden. Ground Protection Mats also prevent the overgrowth of weeds. Cutting up your mat to fit over fragile areas of your garden can also protect your vegetation from any further damage. There are several different types of ground protection mats to choose from, depending on what you plan to use them for. Landscaping Mats prevent soil erosion, while tree removal mats help replant all new trees and shrubs. In any case, a lawn protection mat will ensure the safety of your plants, flowers, and crops. Choosing the right mat can be challenging. However, considering factors such as the type of terrain, your budget, and their level of durability can make the decision process simpler. You’ll have a healthy green oasis full of ripe fruits and fresh vegetables.
Mulch
Next on our list comes Mulch, also known as the “Gardener's Friend.” Creating a protective barrier over your soil, mulch feeds your plants plenty of nutrients and limits compaction. It can be composed of anything from seaweed, manure, and plant debris. There are several benefits to using mulch, such as preventing weed growth, protecting plants from inclement weather conditions, preventing soil from splashing onto leaves, and giving your gardens an attractive appearance.
Like Compost, there are two main types of mulch, which are organic and inorganic. Mainly, organic mulches are made up of wood chips or leaves. They often help control the temperature of the soil and provide plenty of essential nutrients. Some of the mulches that fall under this category are Shredded Leaves, Mown Grass, and Hazelnut Shells. Inorganic Mulches are made up of rock and gravel and are ideal for gardens that are overheating. Black plastic, silver plastic, and landscape fabric mulch help to retain moisture, keep out weeds, and control temperatures in your soil.
There are a few tips you want to keep in mind when applying and replenishing the mulch for your garden. Some of them include adding your mulch 2 to 3 inches deep into your soil and reframing from building “mulch volcanoes” around your tree trunks. Also, you’ll want to apply a fresh batch of mulch mid to late spring, which is considered Mulching Season. Any sooner than that will keep your soil colder and may freeze your plants.
Also, turning over your mulch every season helps keep it nice and fresh. Remove some of the old mulch to avoid it getting too thick, matting, or clumping up. This will ensure your mulch stays healthy looking, thus aiding the growth of your plants.
Garden Fencing
Installing fences around your garden and crop fields is also a great way to protect your vegetation. It shields your flowers and vegetables from animals, poor weather conditions, and even cross-contamination from your neighbor’s garden. There are several different types of fences on the market, such as Mesh, Bamboo, Vinyl, Wooden, and Wire Fencing. These fences do everything from providing privacy to resisting rot to adding a decorative element to your garden.
When it comes to knowing which type of fencing makes the most sense for you, you’ll have to make a few considerations. Factor in the purpose of your fence, budget, and maintenance requirements. Even checking local regulations about height and installation restrictions for your garden can help you make the right decision.
Of course, installing and maintaining your fencing is just as important. We have a few tips to keep in mind when managing a garden fence. Be sure to clear the area where you plan to install the fence, start implementing stakes, and make sure it stays lined up as you start the installation process. To maintain your fencing, just make sure to repair it for any damages, clean it regularly, and protect it against rust. At the end of the day, you want a working and functioning fence that’ll safeguard your greenery against any dangers.
Hand Tools For Weeding & Pruning
There are also several hand tools needed to help maintain your garden. For instance, Pruning Shears help trim and shape your plants, remove diseased foliage, prevent overcrowding and help yield new growth of certain plants. Pruning Shears even pack some unique features that can make gardening easier for you. You might see examples like rotating handles for a comfortable feel and a sap groove for preventing your blades from sticking together.
Another example of a tool often used to manage your garden is the hand trowel. This hand-held gardening tool is effective at removing weeds, loosening up compacted soil, dividing your plants from each other, and even getting rid of debris from in between your plants. Some hand trowels may come with some unique features like built-in weed extractors or seedling transplanters to help the blades on your hand trowel stay sharp.
Other examples of hand-held gardening tools are a hand hoe, a hand weeder, and a hand dibber.
Some tips to consider for properly using gardening tools are ensuring they’re nice and sharp, using an upright position to avoid straining your back and applying smooth, even pressure to achieve precise cutting. When you use hand tools for weeding and pruning, you’ll be adding another layer of protection to your garden.
Conclusion
These 7 must-have tools keep your garden looking pristine and in good shape all year round. Using everything from mulch, and pest netting to pruning tools will ensure your soil stays healthy. More importantly, your plants will remain protected from animals, invasive insects, extreme temperatures, and even your neighbors. If you want a thriving garden, then these are the tools you need on hand.
Author Bio: Aja Dandridge writes for Mytee Products as a Content Writer. She’s written for various online publications and covered numerous topics, including gardening.
