Should environmesh be laid on ground or built on a frame like a cloche

[vegelady]

I have used environmesh on some of my beds last year very successfully and I built a frame using blue water pipe. I wish to buy some more environmesh for other beds but wonder if this can be laid over carrots, cabbage, beetroot etc without the need to build a cage to lay it over, as it all adds to the expense in the first year. However if it means better crops I will do this. The manufacturers say you can but wonder what experience other people have had
thanks
Alison

[Two_Sheds]

If it's laid over, it's sometimes referred to as a 'floating fleece'. I do them for carrots, yes. You need to allow for the height of the full grown carrot (the foliage is about a foot tall)

Weight the edges down with bricks or something

[vegelady]

thank you, can you use this method for lettuce or cabbages?
thanks

[scarletrunner]

Yes. Im told message is to short so just waffling now.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I have used environmesh on some of my beds last year very successfully and I built a frame using blue water pipe. I wish to buy some more environmesh for other beds but wonder if this can be laid over carrots, cabbage, beetroot etc without the need to build a cage to lay it over, as it all adds to the expense in the first year. However if it means better crops I will do this. The manufacturers say you can but wonder what experience other people have had
thanks
Alison

No need for an expensive frame, Just use some stakes or canes pushed into the ground with an empty pop bottle on each cane and as TS suggests, weight down at the edges.
That will keep the environmesh clear of the plants and allow them to grow freely.

[Aberdeenplotter]

P.s. empty wine bottles work just as well but they are breakable.

[Snadger]

Fleece is ok laid on top and 'grows' with the plants but I reckon enviromesh is better on a frame as its quite heavy and will squash small seedlings!

Just my view though!

PS Also, if its in contact with brassicas or suchlike, pests could conceivably lay there eggs through it onto the plant?

[vegelady]

thank you I would never have thought of pop bottles on top. I have been trying to buy green tennis balls locally with no success. I use bottles to weight down the edges so need to get drinking more!

[kingkano]

If your council doesnt collect them then you might find neighbours (especially those with children) only too happy to give you their empties!