Agralan Enviromesh was developed and perfected following many years of trials in Germany, Holland and the UK. These trials ensured that the fabric was:
Lightweight – so no physical damage may occur
Maximum light penetration – ensuring crops do not become weak and ‘leggy’
Maximum ventilation – ensuring no serious risk of diseases developing
Enviromesh was the first insect netting to be made available to gardeners in the UK. Some customers still have Enviromesh they purchased nearly 15 years ago!
Enviromesh is, and will remain the market leader for crop protection netting.
Agralan Enviromesh- Fine Mesh Netting
Enviromesh is a fine mesh net designed to protect vegetable and soft fruit crops from a range of insect pests, birds, rabbits and the weather. It will protect against -cabbage root fly, carrot fly, cabbage white butterfly, pea moth, cutworm, cabbage whitefly, leaf miners and many species of aphids. Flea beetle is discouraged by Enviromesh, but it may not give complete control. In situations where flea beetle is a serious problem, it may be preferable to use Agralan Ultra-fine.
Crops may be covered all the year round from planting right up to harvest. Lay flat over the bed allowing enough slack for the growth of the crop, bury the edges or secure with Tri-Pegs ensuring there are no gaps. The high level of ventilation, compared to ‘Fleece’ covers, reduces the risk of high temperature and humidity which can encourage diseases and weed growth. Also it is much less vulnerable to being blown away in strong winds.
Enviromesh will also provide protection against birds (including pigeons), rabbits and domestic pets and snails. Some protection against slugs is also given.
Note – if it is necessary to use slug pellets under the mesh, they will be inaccessible to birds and animals.
Enviromesh provides considerable protection against wind, hail and heavy rain. The Crops tend to be earlier and suffer less from physical damage they also tend to need less water under drought conditions. The crop may be watered (or fed with liquid fertiliser) through the mesh.
The mesh will also give some frost protection. It is particularly effective in protecting mature vegetables (e.g. cauliflower and calabrese) from autumn frosts.
Note – To protect more tender plants from frost (e.g. early potatoes, dwarf and runner beans), Envirofleece should be used.
Soil conditions are also improved, by the reduction of capping and puddling. This allows better germination and survival of seedlings. The plants also appear to make more efficient use of fertilisers.
Most vegetable crops, and soft fruit, may be protected with Enviromesh, including: Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts, turnips, swedes, radish, carrot, parsnip, celery, spinach, parsley, onions, leeks, peas, lettuce and all types of oriental vegetables. Strawberries, raspberries and currants may also be covered.
Note – Do not cover plants during flowering if they depend on pollination by bees (e.g. beans and strawberries).
The mesh may be removed for short periods to allow for weeding. If possible this should be carried out during cool, breezy conditions when insects are less likely to be flying.
Other Uses
It may be used to cover cold frames or cloche hoops. It may also be used to create ‘insect proof ‘ door curtains for the greenhouse or conservatory. Cover cages for the growing of exhibition flowers, as it will exclude insect pests and birds.
Please Note
Always cover plants and seeds immediately after planting or sowing. Plants should be inspected to ensure that they are free from insect pests before they are covered. It is advisable to protect any seedlings which are grown for transplanting.
Cutting
Enviromesh may be ‘cut’ using an electric soldering iron and a ‘straight edge’. Alternatively, cut edges may be ‘hemmed’ using a rot proof nylon thread. The net should be carefully lifted, cleaned and dried before winter storage.
Care of Enviromesh
If it becomes dirty, it may be washed using a mild detergent and warm (not hot) water. It is best stored in dry conditions out of direct sunlight.
With care the netting should last for at least 7 years.
Technical Info
Made from u.v stabilised polyethylene. The mesh size is 1.35mm. The weight is around 55gms/sq.metre, light passage 90% and air passage 75%.