Keeping dogs out of a backyard raised vegetable garden (solar, hogs, spring) - Trees, Grass, Lawn, Flowers, Irrigation, Landscaping... - City-Data Forum

jimithing78 · 03-09-2010, 02:57 PM

I'm trying to start a vegetable garden in my backyard and I'm worried about my dogs getting into it and destroying my hard work. What do you guys use to keep animals out? I've looked around a bit and my conclusion is that a physical barrier is probably the only thing that's going to work. So anyone have suggestions for fences to go around vegetable gardens?

I'll probably build it a couple of feet away from the raised bed so I can have room to walk around the perimeter of the garden to tend it. If I use something like chicken wire or a mesh fence it's going to need to be at least 3' tall to keep the dogs out (one of them is a great dane). A 3' fence is probably too tall for me to step over so I'll need some way to access the inside, like a gate, but I'm at a loss how I would make a gate with chicken wire. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

lifelongMOgal · 03-09-2010, 03:08 PM

Agree on the physical barrier being the way to go. Suggest using "woven wire" rather than chicken wire to keep it sturdy. You'll want to give plenty of room yourself to walk into your gardening area (and work) than trying to "bend over" your fencing.

Just choose which location you'd like to enter your fenced garden and make that the "end" with an easy way to undo and pull back the wire for your access.

http://www.alpharubicon.com/primitiv...tead-fence.htm

BuffaloTransplant · 03-09-2010, 11:54 PM

Use "turkey wire" or that for an animal fence. It has large squares of tough wire and can be gotten at most hardware stores and also feed & grain stores or Agway, etc.

We have wood frames with it stapled on for not only the exterior ( deer problem) but also for pea fences and beens; the edges are hooked together with the spring closures for screen doors: a solid circle on one side and a pull back snap on the other, 3 to each 4 ft. high fence.

Rtom45 · 03-10-2010, 05:33 AM

You could also use the plastic snow fence if your concern is keeping the dogs out. As mentioned above, your gate will be a corner where the fence can hook and unhook. The fencing can be purchased in green plastic so it wouldn't be such an eyesore to look at.

tcs1366 · 03-10-2010, 08:38 AM

I've been considering a veggie garden... but my problem - even with a fence... the neighbors dog would pee right thru it.

He's killing a lot of my plants, some i'm going to try and move this year... like my Chives, which i love - and obviously so does he -- to pee on.

jimithing78 · 03-10-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcs1366

I've been considering a veggie garden... but my problem - even with a fence... the neighbors dog would pee right thru it.

He's killing a lot of my plants, some i'm going to try and move this year... like my Chives, which i love - and obviously so does he -- to pee on.

Another reason I'm putting a couple of feet of buffer between my fence and my dogs.

Thanks for the responses thus far guys. I guess I'll just have to go to the hardware store and see what kind of fence they have in stock.

SheridanPDC · 03-10-2010, 06:00 PM

Our garden is fenced, part chain link/part turkey wire. There's a wooden gate with a latch, and railroad ties all along the bottom of the fence.

If you have trouble with dogs peeing on your fence, you can buy a can of training "dog repellent"... "Hartz 'Stay Off Training Aid'"... we used it with our dog when she was a puppy to keep her from getting into things/areas we didn't want her to. Dogs hate the smell and will stay well clear of it. You can spray it on a little cloth & tie it to the fence or spray it directly on to the fence where the dog marks. Just don't spray it on your plants. Repeat every day/every other day and the dog should learn to stay away from the fence. We used it both indoors and outdoors and it worked wonders.

tcs1366 · 03-10-2010, 06:53 PM

thanks PDC ... one problem i have is... the neighbors just let him out to do his business and rarely watch him. we have a large field behind our homes, and that is where most of my gardens are... including where we want to add a veggie garden. I was out today, cleaning some beds, and found some large "piles" . *sigh*

He's a Choc Lab... great dog, too bad he has had no training. I play with him more than that do duning the summer/Fall

zugor · 03-11-2010, 08:38 AM

If you are anywhere near to farm supply stores you might want to consider what are called feed lot panels for hogs or cattle. They are 16 ft long by 34 inches high. I had to create a temporary enclosure for lol - a chocolate lab - and used several of these along with 5' T-posts.

Feedlot Panel, Combo, 16 ft. - 3610341 | Tractor Supply Company

In my area they run about 20 bucks, t-posts are around 4 bucks each, you could probably get by just fine with 3 per panel. The panels are steel and very sturdy and durable and have some flexibility and can be curved. A 16 x 32 enclosure would cost about $200 and last for years. Also pretty easy to take up and move if needed.

Three or four snap bolts at one corner for your access.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/...&ip_perPage=20

harry chickpea · 03-11-2010, 10:26 AM

Dog peeing on plants? Solar electric fence charger and insulate the woven wire from the ground. He'll run all the way home, going "Weee weee weee weee!"