Netting for Climbing Plants

Framing

• To use netting, you must build a frame to place over the plant so the netting doesn't drape directly on the plant and inhibit its growth. Build a separate frame from the one on which your plants are climbing. Frames can be as simple or elaborate as you want. The simplest frame uses three pieces of 2-inch by 8-foot lumber to create a tepee. Use twine or wire twisted around the top of the lumber to tie the three pieces together. Build the structure tall enough and wide enough to completely cover your climbing plants.

Garden Fabric

• Use garden fabric or shade cloth to keep nuisance insects and birds away from your climbing plants. Garden fabric is the most costly of the netting fabrics, but you can use it from year to year, and it is easy to place over your plants using a frame.

Tulle

• Tulle is a very inexpensive fabric, which is readily available at fabric stores. The tiny holes in tulle allow light and moisture to filter through to your plants, but will keep bugs and birds at bay. Sew a couple of lengths of tulle together to make it wide enough if necessary. Tulle is a washable fabric that you can use over and over again. Check the fabric for holes each year before you place it on the frame over your climbing plants. If the fabric contains holes, buy new fabric.

Cheesecloth

• People who make jellies often use cheesecloth to strain the pieces of fruit from the juice. Cheesecloth also works to cover climbing plants. Like the tulle, cheesecloth contains tiny holes that allow light and water to get to the plant. However, cheesecloth is much more delicate than tulle or special garden fabric. Use cheesecloth to drape over small plants or plants inside your home. Cheesecloth tears easily, making it a better choice for climbing houseplants instead of plants in your garden. Build a smaller frame out of dowels to use inside.