Enviromesh FAQ
What is Enviromesh used for?
Agralan Enviromesh is a commercial product and has been used by professional farmers and growers for over 20 years. It's prime purpose is as an insect net.
Due to the success of Enviromesh, competitor products have appeared on the market place, but often without the same trials and research to back them up. Although a simple concept, the manufacture and design of Enviromesh ensures results, not all imitations are as suitable or effective.
Why is Enviromesh the best?
The mesh size is 1.35mm. This gives maximum light transmission (90% when new) and ventilation. Smaller meshes reduce light and ventilation, which can lead to drawn, weak or diseased plants. Larger meshes may allow pest entry. The thread used is flexible and "soft", with a weight of 55g/m² Enviromesh should not cause any crop damage. It is highly durable with welded seams and will last many years.
What pests will Enviromesh protect against?
As well as rabbits and birds, Enviromesh excludes all butterfly and moth pests, such as cabbage white butterflies, cabbage root fly, carrot fly, most species of aphid and many other pests. Whitefly, flea beetles and thrips will be kept out to a degree. If these are major problem, a finer mesh, called Enviromesh 'UltraFine' can be used.
Will Enviromesh protect against frost?
Enviromesh will give a degree or two of frost protection. For maximum frost protection over winter use Envirofleece 30, for early spring crops use Envirofleece economy or Envirofleece 'Plus'.
When should Enviromesh be put over crops?
Cover immediately after planting or sowing. Ensure transplants are pest-free at planting.
Are hoops needed?
No, just allow a little slack in the material. Even crops with weak foliage, like carrots, will lift the Enviromesh as the crop develops.
Do the edges need fixing down?
The edges need to be flat on the ground, otherwise some pests e.g. cabbage white butterflies of carrot fly may find their way in. Use plastic or metal pegs, available from Agralan. Alternatively, bricks, logs or lengths of spare timber can be used. These all allow easy removal and replacement for hoeing or harvesting.
Will Enviromesh make plants grow better?
Enviromesh protects against heavy rain, hail and strong winds. It also gives a degree or two of temperature lift and reduces evaporation from the soil. The improvement in microclimate is likely to increase crop growth.
Is Enviromesh available in other colours?
No. White/clear gives the greatest light transmission. Other colours, such as green, would reduce light penetration resulting in a loss of yield and/or quality, especially when covering crops in spring and autumn.
I used Enviromesh last year, but still got damage from carrot fly, why? Carrot fly pupae can overwinter in the soil. Make sure you grow carrots (or other umbelliferous crops) on a different piece of ground. If removing Enviromesh for weeding or harvesting, this should be done in cool, windy conditions when the pest is not flying.
Do I need to remove for watering and feeding?
No, watering and feeding can be applied with Enviromesh in place.
Is Enviromesh easy to cut?
Yes, Enviromesh can be cut with scissors.
