Should I use insect netting on my veggie patch?

Insect netting is a fine mesh you drape or frame over your plants to stop flying insects getting in. It is one of the most effective pest control tools available, and unlike sprays, it works before the problem starts rather than after.

What are the benefits of insect netting?

1. Keeps out the biggest pests. Cabbage white butterflies cannot lay eggs on your brassicas if they cannot land on them. Whiteflies, thrips and aphids are all stopped at the net. See our guides to caterpillars, whiteflies and aphids for context.
2. No chemicals needed. It is a physical barrier. Nothing toxic, nothing that can harm bees, pets or your food.
3. Deters possums and birds too. A well-fitted net stops larger visitors as well as insects.
4. Suits a raised bed perfectly. A raised bed has a defined frame, so fitting a simple hoop or rectangular net frame is much easier than trying to net an in-ground patch.

What are the downsides of insect netting?

1. Pollinators cannot get in. Any plant that needs bees to produce fruit (tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin) needs to be uncovered during flowering, or you hand-pollinate them with a small brush. Leafy greens, herbs and brassicas do not need pollination, so they can stay netted the whole time.
2. Airflow matters. Make sure the net sits above the plants rather than directly on them. This keeps air moving and reduces the chance of fungal issues in humid weather.
3. Check for gaps. Secure the base well, particularly with possums around. They are persistent.

Our recommendation: netting is worth using on brassicas (broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower) almost every season in SEQ. For fruiting plants, use it early in the season when pest pressure is building, then remove or lift it once flowers open.

For the full picture on pest management, see our safe pest management guide.

More garden guides: companion planting · deterring possums · what to plant in SEQ · build a DIY poly tunnel

What should I plant right now? Our free garden calendar shows what suits your postcode this month. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.