Quick verdict
A sheet of fine polyethylene insect mesh the maker describes as twice the thickness of standard netting, UV and tear resistant, that drapes over hoops or frames to keep insects, birds and small animals off vegetables while sunlight, water and air pass through. Heavier mesh survives more seasons and more handling than the thin netting that tears on the first hoop end. Hoops and clips are not included; it is the fabric alone.
Strengths
- Fine mesh excludes cabbage moths, flea beetles and birds
- Heavier PE than standard netting resists tears
- UV resistant for several seasons
- Passes light, rain and air
- Cuts to size for beds and frames
Weaknesses
- Netting only; hoops, clips and pegs are separate
- Fine mesh blocks pollinators; lift for flowering crops
- Edges must be sealed to the ground
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
Mesh That Lasts More Than a Season
Cheap insect netting tears on the first hoop end, snags on the first stake and is in the bin by autumn. RAINFLOW’s is polyethylene mesh the maker describes as twice the usual thickness, UV stabilised and tear resistant, with openings fine enough for cabbage white butterflies, flea beetles and birds. It is the netting alone, to drape over your own hoops or frames.
This review is based on the listing specifications and on how fine PE insect netting performs on raised beds generally. We have not used this netting ourselves and the brand is a generic importer.
What It Keeps Out
Butterflies and moths whose caterpillars shred brassicas, flea beetles that riddle rocket, carrot fly on fine mesh, birds pulling seedlings, and cats and rabbits where the edges are sealed. It is a physical barrier that works every hour of the day with no spray.
Setting It Up
Drape over hoops spaced every 3 to 4 feet or a timber frame tall enough for the mature crop. Clip it to the hoops so wind does not lift it, and seal every edge to the ground with boards, bricks or a shallow trench of soil. A gap at the base is a door. For access, lift one side and reseal.
Light and Water
Fine mesh takes a few percent of light, which crops do not notice, and softens harsh midday sun in hot climates. Rain and watering pass straight through. Air moves, so there is no greenhouse heat.
Pollination
Brassicas, roots, onions, lettuce and spinach need no pollinators and can stay covered to harvest. Squash, beans, strawberries and tomatoes outdoors need bees; uncover at flowering or hand pollinate.
Durability
Thicker PE resists the tears that end thin netting and shrugs off UV for several seasons. Take it down in winter, dry it and store it in the dark to extend that further.
Who Should Buy It
- Brassica and carrot growers who already own hoops.
- Anyone replacing torn thin netting.
- Organic gardeners relying on barriers instead of sprays.
Common Owner Complaints
No hoops or clips included and pests under unsealed edges. Buy the hardware; seal the edges.
Technique Tips
Cut the netting with a few feet of spare on every side so the edges reach the ground with slack to weigh down; a sheet cut to size never seals. Put the netting on the day you sow or transplant, before the first butterfly finds the bed. Where two sheets meet, overlap them by a foot and clip the overlap so there is no gap at the join.
Alternatives to Consider
The Hoyejyou kit bundles mesh with hoops and clips. Agribon row cover adds frost protection with less insect exclusion. Bird netting alone suits fruit bushes where insects are not the problem.
Verdict
For insect netting that survives being handled, heavier PE is worth the small extra, and this fabric does the job over your own hoops. Seal the edges and lift it when the flowers need bees.
Full specifications
RAINFLOW UV-Resistant PE Garden Insect Netting Pest Barrier for Raised Beds FAQs
Over fiberglass or PVC hoops spaced every 3 to 4 feet, or a timber frame, clipped at the top and sealed at the ground with boards, soil or pegs.
A little, a few percent. Crops grow normally under it; in very hot climates it also softens midday sun.
Leafy crops, roots and brassicas do not need pollinators. Squash, beans and strawberries do; lift the mesh at flowering.
Several seasons if taken down and stored out of sun in winter. The heavier fabric is why.
