Welded mesh is traditionally used in masonry to reinforce concrete and thus increase its resistance to stress. However, diverted from its traditional fields of application, the welded trellis is a very useful and economical material in the vegetable garden. What are the advantages ? Also learn in this article how to use the welded mesh in the garden through some examples of achievements.
4 advantages of using welded mesh in the garden
The welded mesh is above all economical. It is found in DIY superstores in the form of 2 m X 1 m plates, sometimes larger, for a handful of euros. For larger plates or with a wire of greater diameter – the rigidity of the mesh is then greater – direction the signs of professional materials
Welded mesh is durable. Unlike wood (even treated), rebar ages and degrades slowly. It is therefore the assurance of using it for many years, even if it is left permanently outside. Rebar rods diameter 10 or 12 also provide excellent stakes for tomatoes or high vegetable beds.
The welded mesh is then functional. Quite light, it is at the same time handy, easy to move, to assemble without welding, to cut and it finally takes up little storage space. Depending on the diameter of the wire and the use you want to make of it, it is flexible and then easy to bend, or more rigid, but in this case stands straight without problem.
Due to its rust color, quite close to that of corten steel , the welded mesh is aesthetic and fits very well in the garden. We would almost forget it.
3 examples of uses
A discreet fence
Discreet, this fence is! She is also very clever. 3 panels of 2 m X 1 m were required and assembled using tying wire. The welded mesh plays a double role here: it visually materializes the passage and retains the neighboring raspberry bushes, preventing them from encroaching on the aisle. Picking is made easier.
The tomato tunnel or shelter
Larger constructions are widely possible with welded mesh . In this realization for example, 9 panels of 2m X 1m were assembled to create this tomato shelter . To stiffen the whole, 3 rebar arches 12 mm in diameter were bent and 6 metal posts sunk into the ground halfway up.
A temporary closure on the side exposed to the rain protects the crops all spring from bad weather. But it is removed in summer to allow good ventilation. This tunnel (3 mx 2.5 m approximately) at less than 50$ all included, makes it possible to grow healthy tomatoes, without any treatment, but also to obtain very good yields with crops requiring heat: eggplants , peppers, peppers, melon and watermelon for example.
Low vegetable tunnel
3 plates of welded trellis of 2m X 1m were necessary to assemble this low tunnel of market gardening type of 3 m length. It is fixed on its lower part on a wooden frame. At the end of winter and at the beginning of spring, it allows you to gain a few precious degrees to start growing lettuces , beans or even onions .
It is also easy to take the cover off during the day if the weather is right and to close it at night to guarantee protection against the cold.