From Seedlings to Harvest: When and How to Use Garden Nets

Here at Maze, we talk to gardeners around Australia who want lush veggie patches and flower beds, but find their efforts under threat from birds, bugs, even wild weather.

After years supplying gardeners of all kinds, let us answer the big questions about plant protection: when should you use garden nets, how do you choose the right netting, and what tips matter most from seedling to harvest? Let’s dive in.

Why Use Garden Nets? The Secret to Year-Round Success

Garden nets are more than just another garden accessory. They help us:

• Protect young seedlings and new plantings from hungry birds and harsh wind.
• Keep fruit and veg safe from insects, moths, possums, and even fruit bats.
• Provide a simple, chemical-free barrier for organic gardening.
• Regulate sunshine and shade, depending on the netting used.
• Extend the growing season and improve yields.

With our garden nets, plant protection becomes part of sustainable gardening protecting your patch, your produce, and our planet.

When Should I Use Garden Nets in My Vegetable Patch?

We get this a lot: “Do I really need netting all year?” The short answer: It depends on your crop and season.

Start with Seedlings

Seedlings are most vulnerable when young. We recommend using netting as soon as your seeds sprout or your seedlings go in the ground. A fine insect net or mesh keeps moths and aphids at bay.

Flowering and Fruiting Stage

Once your veggies begin to flower, birds and bugs start circling. Our Crop Cages and garden nets provide an invisible shield across tomatoes, strawberries, lettuces, and even cabbages.

Pre-Harvest to Harvest

The ripest fruit or veg is the most tempting for wildlife. This is prime time to ensure your netting is secure and well-fitted. Our larger crop cage make moving and readjusting easy as your plants grow.

Throughout the Season

For exposed crops, or if you’ve ever dealt with cabbage moth, fruit fly, or possums leaving your Mesh or Hoop Netting in place all season is the best way to save your crop.

Which Maze Net is Right for My Garden? Your Plant Protection Guide

Find our full collection of Crop Cages and Garden Covers here: Maze Garden Nets Collection.

Insect & Butterfly Net

• Fine mesh, keeps small insects, moths out.
• Perfect for leafy greens, cabbages, and herbs.

Bird Netting

• Strong yet flexible
• Best for fruit trees, berries, tomatoes, and sunflowers.

Shade Netting

• Protects from harsh Aussie sun
• Great for young seedlings and delicate crops over summer.

Reusable Garden Netting

• Long-lasting and sustainable
• Ideal for raised beds, season after season

Every Maze net is made from high-quality, UV-stabilised materials, tough enough for Aussie conditions, and designed for years of reliable use.

How to Use and Install Your Garden Net

- Measure your patch or bed: Allow for plant growth and anchoring.

- Choose the right net: Consider whether birds, bugs, or sun are the biggest threat.

- Use strong supports: Our  foldable / reusable frame kits are perfect for when you are covering a garden bed for a sort time and need to pack it away.

- Cover and secure: Ensure the cover has sufficient space above the plants to allow air circulation and growth space. Anchor to the ground with pegs (Or use a heavy object to secure / use soil if you don't have anything else available).

- Regularly check and adjust: As your veg grows, make sure there’s no pressure on stems or fruit, and nets are free from holes or tears.

Sustainable Plant Covers: Designed for the Long Haul

Maze garden nets are designed with reusability in mind. Once the season ends, simply clean your nets, fold, and store for next time. No single-use plastics and no “end-of-season toss” needed. A quick wash with mild soap and sun-drying keeps them in top form, season after season.

Top Tips: Expert Garden Netting Advice

• Place nets before you spot the first pest; prevention is key.
• For seasonal garden care, swap shade nets in for insect nets during peak summer.
• Allow room under the net so plants aren’t pressed down as they grow.
• Use pegs to attach to ground and easy adjustments.
• Always check for trapped wildlife - choose netting with a weave size that’s wildlife-friendly and complies with local regulations. Most designs have a mesh  size of 4mm diameter (Check individual items for specifications)

Frequently Asked Questions About Maze Garden Nets

1. When should I put garden nets over my plants?

We recommend installing nets at the seedling stage, or as soon as you see buds and flowers forming - this prevents major issues before they start.

2. Are Maze nets reusable and environmentally friendly?

Absolutely, our garden nets are designed for repeated use, made from strong UV-stabilised materials, and easy to wash and store. Much better than flimsy, disposable products.

3. Can your nets help keep pests off my veggies as well as birds?

Yes, just choose the right mesh for your garden bed. Protects from snails, birds and large insects

4. Are your garden nets safe for pets and wildlife?

All Maze nets are designed with safety in mind, but always install them taut and above plants to avoid accidental tangling. Choose a net type that meets your local wildlife regulations.

From Seedlings to Harvest, We’ve Got You Covered

When we talk about garden netting, we're talking about getting the most from every seed, every flower, and every season.

No matter your plot size or experience, using the right netting at the right time makes all the difference - less waste, bigger yields, and a thriving, beautiful garden.

Explore our full garden nets collection and let us help you grow from seedlings to a bumper harvest, the simple and sustainable way.