How to Install Gopher Wire
Install stainless steel gopher wire under metal garden beds to protect the plants from subterranean rodents like gophers, moles, and voles. These underground pests can inflict major damage on even the most meticulously maintained garden, gnawing through roots and stems and causing substantial harm and loss. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing gopher wire under your metal garden beds.
Why Do You Need a Gopher Wire for Metal Garden Beds
Gopher and Rodent Protection
Stainless steel gopher wire mesh is specifically designed to deter burrowing pests like gophers, moles, voles, and rats from entering your garden bed. The tightly woven mesh creates an impenetrable barrier that prevents these animals from digging through and damaging your plants, roots, and underground crops.
Durability and Longevity
Stainless steel gopher wire mesh can withstand exposure to moisture, soil acidity, and harsh weather conditions. This ensures long-lasting protection against gophers and other pests, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Chemical-Free Pest Control
Using a stainless steel mesh barrier is an environmentally friendly and chemical-free method of pest control.
How to Install Gopher Wire
Gopher wire kit: a stainless steel mesh, sufficient amount of landscape staples
Tools you need: A mallet/ hammer( to keep the staples to the ground)
- Unroll the wire and staple one side of the wire with landscape staples
- Gradually unroll the gopher wire, ensuring it lays flat and level with the ground for a smooth surface (an even ground makes for a good go for the wire install)
- Staple along all sides and the center for complete fixation
- Put the metal garden beds on the wire
- Add a layer of soil over the gopher wire
View the installation video on YouTube.
Features of Vegega Stainless Steel Gopher Wire
Pretty high gauge wire to help prevent critters from digging up inside your garden bed and ruining your harvest. Vegega’s stainless steel mesh is 8.53ft(L) x 2.5ft(W), perfect fitting the 8ftx2ft metal garden beds. Also, we can custom sizes through cutting and joining
- Durable: High-quality stainless steel construction
- Permeable: Allow water to pass through for plant roots
- Effective: Block young and mature gophers from passing through
- Sustainable: Long-lasting defense against rodents
- Environmentally Friendly: Say goodbye to harmful chemicals
- Allow Plant Growth: The 0.8in.Lx0.8in.W mesh size will not choke roots allowing your plants or lawn to grow
Why It’s Necessary to Add a Layer of Soil over the Gopher Wire
After placing the garden bed on the gopher wire, adding a layer of soil over the wire is advisable before filling your garden bed, no matter what filling method you will use. Assuming you are taking the Hugelkultu method, here are the reasons why you should add a layer of soil over the wire:
Protection for the stainless steel gopher wire
Direct contact between the logs and the stainless steel mesh could lead to accelerated wear and tear, especially if the logs are heavy or contain sharp edges. A layer of soil acts as a buffer, preventing direct contact and potential damage to the mesh.
Enhanced stability
Logs placed directly on the stainless steel mesh might shift or move more easily, potentially compromising the structural integrity of your raised bed. A layer of soil provides a more stable foundation for the logs, helping them stay in place and maintain the desired hugelkultur structure.
Improved water retention and nutrient cycling
In hugelkultur, the gradual decomposition of the logs can retain moisture and release nutrients into the surrounding soil. A layer of soil between the stainless steel mesh and logs helps facilitate this process by providing an initial substrate for microorganisms and fungi to colonize and begin breaking down the wood. This layer also contributes to better water infiltration and distribution within the bed.
To summarize, adding a layer of soil over the stainless steel wire mesh before constructing your hugelkultur bed in the raised garden will protect the mesh, enhance stability, improve water retention and nutrient cycling, and facilitate planting and root growth.
How to Get Rid of Gophers
In addition to using gopher wire to stop gophers from burrowing, there are still many physical methods to repel them.
- Trapping: This is one of the most effective ways to remove gophers. There are several types of traps available on the market, such as cinch traps or box traps.
- Fencing: Installing below-ground fencing around your garden or yard can prevent gophers from gaining access.
- Noise and Vibration: Gophers are sensitive to noise and vibrations. Devices that emit sounds or vibrations can often deter them.
- Gopher Baskets: These are wire baskets that you place around the roots of plants to protect them from gophers.
- Natural repellents: Apply castor oil, garlic, or predator urine (such as coyote or fox) to the soil. Reapply regularly, as effectiveness may vary.
