Fencing and Netting Strategies for a Wildlife-Heavy Garden in Connecticut

With deer, burrowers, and birds on 2 wooded acres, layered defenses are essential.

Deer Fencing

• 8-foot woven wire or 6-foot slanted outward fence.
• Double 4-foot fences 4 feet apart (deer won't jump both).

Burrower Protection

• Bury 12" of hardware cloth vertically at fence line.
• Line raised bed bottoms with 1/2" mesh.

Bird Control

• Floating row cover (Reemay) over seed beds.
• Bird netting over fruiting crops.
• Flash tape on stakes near vulnerable plants.

Step-by-Step Garden Build

1. Choose sunny, well-drained site.
2. Install fencing first.
3. Build raised beds or till in compost.
4. Irrigate with drip lines.
5. Plant, mulch, and monitor.