I've found nets have quite an effect on microclimates. Our 'Vege-nets' are there to limit access by birds, cabbage butterfly, shield bugs etc; they also seem to do quite a bit of wind reduction; and they may moderate the strength of sunlight - possibly desirable in mid summer, not so much in winter.
With increasingly extreme winds and storms, fine netting on strong supports may be a useful thing. The bad side is - they're mostly plastic, and they die in 5 - 10 years and have to be disposed of. Maybe the windbreak vegetation will have grown big enough to take over by then?!
But the bird and insect problems still have to be dealt with.
Excellent advice.
I've found nets have quite an effect on microclimates. Our 'Vege-nets' are there to limit access by birds, cabbage butterfly, shield bugs etc; they also seem to do quite a bit of wind reduction; and they may moderate the strength of sunlight - possibly desirable in mid summer, not so much in winter.
With increasingly extreme winds and storms, fine netting on strong supports may be a useful thing. The bad side is - they're mostly plastic, and they die in 5 - 10 years and have to be disposed of. Maybe the windbreak vegetation will have grown big enough to take over by then?!
But the bird and insect problems still have to be dealt with.
Cheers, Rose (Gembrook)
Hi Rose,
There's some great observations you've shared there. They match what I've been experiencing. If only there were some more durable insect netting!
Thanks for commenting
Duncan