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How to: Keep Out Garden Pests with DIY Row Protectors

by on May 28, 2013

As with all gardens, protecting your seedlings and plants from evil predators is a top priority. Evil predators like this:

Look at this devilish little nibbler. He must be stopped.       

So, I came up with a simple and inexpensive DIY solution-garden row protector design to keep ’em out

Items to make row protectorsRebekah Greiman
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own: 

  • Cordless drill/driver and 1-2″ exterior wood screws
  • Chicken wire
  • 10″ long 2×4″s (and table saw) or 1×2″ lumber
  • Exterior plywood scraps 
  • Staple gun & staples
  • Wire snips or cutters
  • Paint, paintbrushes, rollers (if using white wood)
  • Sandpaper
     

WoodRebekah Greiman 

1. Measure how long the row protectors will need to be. I wanted to make three row protectors total that would stack for easier storing. Vertically slice the 2x4s, or, if you don’t have a table saw, just buy 1×2″ lumber at the home center. You will need three lengths per row protector.

Wood2Rebekah Greiman

I decided to make my three row protectors to be 5’3″, 5′  and 4’9″ so that they would be easy to stack for storage. Cut three pieces to each length, or ask the nice folks at the home center to do it for you. 

TrianglesRebekah Greiman2. Next, use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut out two 12″ tall triangles per row protector. Quickly sand off any burrs.

AttachingRebekah Greiman3. Attach the end triangle pieces to the three matching 1×2″s using exterior wood screws.

PaintRebekah Greiman4. Paint the  wood to better protect it from the elements. If using a resistant wood like cedar, you can skip this step. 

Chicken wireRebekah Greimna5. Cut the chicken wire to length, leaving several inches extra for error. Center the chicken wire and attach a few staples at the bottom using a staple gun to keep it in place.

row protectorRebekah Greiman
6. Lastly, attach the sides of the chicken wire to both sides of the triangle. Finish attaching the chicken wire around the perimeter.

Row ProtectorRebekah GreimanNow it’s easy to protect your garden’s tender plants with these simple, DIY row protectors. No more free lunches, Mr. Bunny. 

A woman holding a sledgehammer.Rebekah Greiman is the creator of Potholes and Pantyhose, a web blog dedicated to original DIY projects. Rebekah’s detailed tutorials are written to educate and entertain, while highlighting crafts, home decor, recipes, remodeling and more. See them all at Potholes and Pantyhose.

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