Then we strung 6' tall chicken wire and attached it to the posts, leaving a 4' wide hole for a gate. Two posts on opposite sides of the enclosure extend up several inches above the top of the chicken wire, providing supports to string a rope across, creating a peak along the center line of the garden in hopes of holding the netting up above head height. This garden enclosure was constructed in one weekend by William, Fairlight and a vistor, DaVid. William and Fairlight attach the chicken wire to the T-posts while Merlin, another visitor, keeps watch. DaVid and William drive the T-posts into the sandy desert soil.
Teamwork helps lighten the job.
The finished garden was edged with building blocks we had on hand to keep burrowing critters from digging under the fence. Horse manure left on the land from previous owners is piled waiting for incorporation into the soil. The fava beans started the previous fall have been enclosed. A soaker hose is installed around three edges as soon as manure has been dug into narrow beds around the perimeter. A circular garden is planned for the center.