General Fruit and Vegetable Cages FAQs
What are fruit and vegetable cages used for?
Fruit and vegetable cages are used to protect plants from pests, such as birds and insects, and other environmental factors that can damage or destroy crops. They provide a barrier around the plants, allowing them to grow and thrive without interruption.
How do I install a fruit and vegetable cage?
The installation process for a fruit and vegetable cage will vary depending on the specific design and materials used. However, most cages can be installed by securing the frame into the soil using anchors, attaching any necessary protective covering, and securing it in place with clips or ties.
What types of netting are available for fruit and vegetable cages?
Common types of netting used for fruit and vegetable cages include bird netting, insect netting, and soft butterfly netting. Bird netting is used to protect against birds and other larger pests, while insect netting is designed to keep out smaller insects. Soft butterfly netting is used to protect against butterflies and other flying insects.
Can I use a fruit and vegetable cage to protect my plants from frost?
Yes, fruit and vegetable cages can provide some protection from frost by trapping warm air inside the cage and creating a microclimate around the plants. However, it's important to note that the cages are not designed to protect plants from extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.
How do I maintain a fruit and vegetable cage?
To maintain a fruit and vegetable cage, it's important to keep the frame and netting clean and free of debris. If necessary, the netting should be inspected for holes and tears and repaired or replaced as needed. Additionally, it's important to check the frame for any signs of wear or damage and make repairs as necessary.
Can I use a fruit and vegetable cage for different types of plants?
Yes, fruit and vegetable cages can be used for a variety of different types of plants. They can be adjusted to fit the size and shape of different crops, making them a versatile gardening solution.
Can I use a fruit and vegetable cage with other gardening equipment?
Yes, fruit and vegetable cages can be used in conjunction with other gardening equipment such as irrigation systems and grow lights to enhance the growth and health of your plants.
Can I move a fruit and vegetable cage around my garden?
Some fruit and vegetable cages are designed to be portable and can be easily moved around your garden. However, others may be more permanently anchored in place and may not be as easily moved. If you want the flexibility to move your cage around, it's important to choose a design that allows for this.
Are fruit and vegetable cages suitable for all climates?
Fruit and vegetable cages are generally suitable for most climates, but it's important to note that they are not designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures or heavy snowfall. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it's important to either remove the cage or use a sturdier structure that can withstand the weather conditions.
How long will a fruit and vegetable cage last?
The lifespan of a fruit and vegetable cage will depend on the specific materials used and the level of maintenance it receives. With proper care and maintenance, a fruit and vegetable cage can last for several years. However, if not properly maintained, the frame may start to rust and the netting may become damaged, requiring replacement.
Are fruit and vegetable cages suitable for use in commercial farming?
Yes, fruit and vegetable cages are suitable for use in commercial farming. They can be used to protect large crops from pests, which can help to increase yields and improve overall crop health.
Are fruit and vegetable cages suitable for use in organic farming?
Yes, fruit and vegetable cages are suitable for use in organic farming. They provide a natural barrier that can protect crops from pests, while still allowing the plants to grow and thrive in an organic environment.
What types of netting are available for fruit and vegetable cages?
Different types of netting are available for fruit and vegetable cages, depending on the specific needs of your crops. Bird netting is commonly used to keep birds and other pests away from fruits and vegetables, while insect netting is designed to protect crops from aphids and other insect pests. Soft butterfly netting can be used to protect against cabbage white butterflies and birds.
How do I secure the netting to my fruit and vegetable cage?
The netting is typically secured to the fruit and vegetable cage using clips or pegs. These are provided with the netting and can be easily installed to secure the netting to the frame of the cage.
Are there any additional accessories available for fruit and vegetable cages?
Some manufacturers offer additional accessories for fruit and vegetable cages, such as doors, anchors, and additional netting. These can be useful for making the cage more secure or for adding extra protection to certain areas of the cage.
Is it difficult to assemble a fruit and vegetable cage?
Assembly instructions are provided with every cage, and it should be easy to assemble with the proper tools and instructions. Some cages may require more assembly than others, but most can be assembled quickly and easily.
Can I disassemble the fruit and vegetable cage for storage?
Some fruit and vegetable cages can be disassembled for storage, while others are designed to be more permanent structures. If disassembly is important to you, be sure to choose a cage that can be easily disassembled and stored.
Low Cages
What are the available heights for the low fruit and vegetable cages?
The low cages come in four heights: 500mm, 700mm, 900mm, and 1.2m.
What are the types of joiners used in the cages?
The cages use small plastic joiners that fit perfectly into the aluminium tubes. There are corners, tees, and crosses, and each joiner has one slightly larger fitting for the 16mm upright.
What are Buildaballs and how are they used in the cages?
Buildaballs are green rubber balls that have one 16mm hole for the upright and five 13mm holes for the length and crossbars. They are used to connect the aluminium tubes in the cage.
What types of cover are available for the cages?
Three types of cover are available: bird netting, Veggiemesh insect netting, and soft butterfly netting.
What are the dimensions of the 13mm and 16mm tubing used in the cages?
The 13mm tubing (crossbars) has an external diameter of 12.7mm, an internal diameter of 10.9mm, and a wall thickness of 0.9mm. The 16mm tubing (uprights) has an external diameter of 15.9mm, an internal diameter of 14.5mm, and a wall thickness of 0.7mm.
What accessories come with the cage when ordering with a cover?
The cage comes complete with clips and pegs for securing the fabric.
Walk in Cages
What are the dimensions of the walk-in cages?
The walk-in cages stand at 1.9m (6ft 3in) and offer plenty of room to work under and walk in.
How are the framework of the cages connected?
The framework of the walk-in cages are connected by robust UV-stabilized joiners, making each structure strong and sturdy.
Are doors included with the cages?
Yes, all cages include a door which can be fitted on any side of the cage.
What are the types of netting available for the cages?
Four types of netting are available: bird/fruit netting, soft butterfly, soft green butterfly, and green bird netting.
How do I remove the roof on the cage?
The roof on all our Walk In Cages is a separate piece, enabling you to easily remove it if snow is forecast.
What should I do if extreme winds are expected?
If extremely heavy winds are expected, it's advisable to dismantle the cage.
What tools are required for assembly?
Tools required for assembly include a wooden mallet/hammer, a spirit level, string, and scissors.
Are instructions and diagrams provided with the cage?
Yes, instructions and diagrams are sent with every cage.
What are the dimensions of the tubing used in the cages?
The tubing used in the cages has an external diameter of 19mm, an internal diameter of 17.2mm, and a wall thickness of 0.9mm.
Can I contact you for any cage enquiry?
Yes, you can contact us for any cage enquiry, we also offer bespoke cages.
Premium Fruit & Veg Cages
What materials are used in the construction of the premium cages?
The premium walk-in cages are constructed using exceptionally strong, black powder coated 27mm aluminium tubing. The joints are made of galvanized steel which will stand the test of time and protect your fruits and vegetables for years to come.
What are the dimensions of the cages?
The cages have an internal height of 1.9m (6’ 3”) and come in a large variety of widths and lengths to choose from.
Can these cages be used in exposed areas?
Yes, due to the strength of these cages, they prove ideal for exposed areas.
What types of netting are available?
Four types of netting are available: bird/fruit netting, soft butterfly, soft green butterfly, and green bird netting.
Are doors included in the package?
No, doors need to be purchased separately. They can be ordered from our doors purchase page.
What should I do if heavy snow is forecast?
If heavy snow is forecast, p