Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: pippin on January 17, 2010, 20:35

Title: Environmesh alternative
Post by: pippin on January 17, 2010, 20:35
Has anyone tried using scafold net as a cheaper alternative to Environmesh? If so are there any potential problems i should be aware of before i order a load from Ebay? I notice it comes in different colours - does it matter which one I choose. The best deal seems to be yellow.
I used normal netting on my brassicas this year and they did fairly well considering they were attacked by hundreds of cabbage whites and then whitefly!
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: Pompey Spud on January 17, 2010, 20:40
The colour will really affect the quality of veg.

People get best results with blue.
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: mumofstig on January 17, 2010, 20:47
Norty pompey :nowink:
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: DD. on January 17, 2010, 20:53
Do a forum search on "Debris Netting".

Many of us use it and have posted about it. You'll find loads of info.
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: Brambles on January 17, 2010, 20:54
I have used scaffold mesh for a couple of years... my son has a lot over from his house-renovation.   Main problem being there were regular holes (no idea for what reason!)   and the whitefly/blackfly etc... could still easily find their way in :mad:   I tried stitching, stapleing and still they got in...   This year I will try and obtain the real McCoy!  Just hope it isn't too expensive :unsure:
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: DD. on January 17, 2010, 20:59
The regular holes are for it's intended usage, not as adapted by us gardeners, but they can be utilised.

They are there for "cable clipping" the netting to the scaffold poles.

I don't use it for keeping out small insects, but the big flying pests called pigeons. It's far more durable than standard netting, as whilst dearer initially, it will last years longer as it's impossible to rip.

For the small pests like carrot fly, then it's enviromesh every time, due to it's mesh size and weight - or lack of it.
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: Brambles on January 17, 2010, 21:07
My biggest problem always is CABBAGE WHITES!   this is what I really want protection from...  scaffold netting does not keep THEM out!   Pigeons are big pests but I have two cats and they seem to keep them slightly under control ;)
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: DD. on January 17, 2010, 21:09
Mine does.

You must be leaving big gaps somewhere as no way could they get through the mesh, or even the eyelets.
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: sunshineband on January 17, 2010, 21:13
I've found that strips of duct tape either side back to back over gaps in netting help no end  :) :)
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: compostqueen on January 18, 2010, 09:09
I bought a green netting cloche and it was too shady and the plants did rubbish so I got some Enviromesh. It aint cheap but it will last forever and can be washed if it gets too filthy.   I buy mine when I'm flush, which is not often, but I have built up quite a stash  :)
Title: Re: Environmesh alternative
Post by: DD. on January 18, 2010, 09:11
My caulis did brilliantly this year under netting & I think it was because of the shade, in fact all the brassicas performed well under it.

I think it depends on the type of plant you're growing.