Fencing garden - Ask Extension
Hello,
I live in Minnetonka. I have found the plastic fencing I’ve used to keep critters out of my garden gets chewed - I’ve seen rabbits and op...
Knowledgebase
Fencing garden #928629
Asked April 16, 2026, 4:57 PM EDT
Hello,
I live in Minnetonka. I have found the plastic fencing I’ve used to keep critters out of my garden gets chewed - I’ve seen rabbits and opossums, possibly raccoons around. I also need to stop deer. My garden areas are compact, so I’m more concerned with deer casually leaning over and grazing than actually jumping in confined spaces. What opening size in metal fencing is best? I’ve heard of hog fencing with rectangular openings. That will work on deer but what about smaller critters? I know hardware cloth could work with, say 1/2” openings. What if I install 2’ of hardware cloth that at the base of 5’ hog fencing? I’d consider chicken wire but I’ve seen critters chew thru that too Thanks for your guidance here.
Cheers,
Mark
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
You have settled with the same thought I had with my own garden fence several years ago. I have chain link fence and needed to keep dogs out. I attached hardware cloth to the garden side of the fence with zip ties. Works great at keeping those pesky rabbits out.
Thank you. I think that will work. So, just to confirm, hog fencing will not exclude rabbits or opossums? How high does the hardware cloth need to go?
Appreciate the help.
Cheers, Mark
Hardware cloth comes in 3 foot rolls. Use that height. Side note: I had to replace it on my fence last year after several years as it was getting bent, etc. Overnight, rabbits completely wiped out my bean, cucumber, squash, broccoli seedlings!
