Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about planting your garden again. Depending on your location and the animals around you, you may need to consider building a fence to protect your garden from hungry invaders. A garden fence is an easy project that can typically be completed in just a few hours.
When building your fence, it's important to consider what type of animals you are trying to keep out. For household pets, you won’t need to dig your fence too deep. However, for pests like rabbits, moles, or other small critters, you'll need to ensure the fence goes deep enough to prevent digging underneath. Below is a step-by-step guide to building a basic chicken wire garden fence that’s perfect for keeping out household pets.
Chicken Wire Garden Fence
Materials Needed:
- 5-foot chicken wire
- Several 2x2s
- 2 4x4s
- 4x6
- Hinges
- Eye hook latch
- Staple gun
- Wire cutters
- Wood screws
Steps:
- Start by measuring the perimeter of the garden plot. Determine how many feet of chicken wire you will need to seal off the area.
- Cut the 2x2s in half. These will hold the chicken wire and act as fence posts.
- Dig a 12-inch deep trench along the garden perimeter.
- Roll out the chicken wire and place the 2x2 posts every 3-4 feet. Line up the bottom of the wire with the bottom of the 2x2 posts. The wire should overhang the wooden posts by about a foot.
- Cut the 4x6 in half. These stronger posts will hold the gate. Place them where the opening for the gate will be. The opening should be about 2 feet wide.
- Use the staple gun to attach the chicken wire to the 2x2 posts.
- Place the wire in the trench and secure the posts. Backfill with dirt, ensuring that 1 foot of wire is buried to prevent critters like dogs or rabbits from digging under the fence.
- Remove the wire from between the two 4x6 posts to create the opening for the gate.
- Cut two 2x4s in half. Use these to build a square door to fill the gap in the fence. Screw them together securely.
- Staple the excess chicken wire to the door, allowing the wire to overhang slightly to discourage digging under it.
- Install the hinges on one side of the 4x6 posts and the square door.
- Install the eye hook latch on the other side of the door and 4x6 posts to keep the gate securely closed.
- Bend the top foot of the chicken wire along the fence into an arch. This will prevent small critters from climbing over the fence to access the garden.
Once complete, your garden fence should stand at 3 feet high: 1 foot of wire buried underground, 1 foot arched at the top, and 3 feet above ground.
Helpful Resources and Photo Credits:
For further inspiration, check out these links:
- Dig For Your Dinner - Backyard Kitchen Garden Photos
- Garden Fence Ideas - DIY Landscape Fence Ideas
- How to Prevent Your Dog from Digging Up Your Garden – AKC
"A good garden fence can save your plants from being destroyed by pets and wildlife, and building your own can save you time and money!"
