Why use anti-insect netting in bio-intensive market gardening?
Treatment-free crop protection is a real challenge in bio-intensive market gardening. Pests can cause considerable damage, reducing yields and compromising crop quality. It's in this context that anti-insect nets have emerged as an effective, sustainable and 100% natural solution.
What is insect netting?
Insect netting is fine-mesh physical protection designed to cover crops and prevent the intrusion of pests. Made from durable materials, they allow air, water and light to pass through, while forming an effective barrier against harmful insects. This method is particularly popular in organic farming, as it reduces yield losses without the need for pesticides.
Natural, effective protection for your crops
Anti-insect netting is a simple, ecological and economical method of preserving crop health. Unlike chemical treatments, they present no risk of residues on vegetables and do not disturb the natural balance of the soil and surrounding ecosystems.
The benefits of insect netting
An effective barrier against pests
Insect netting can be used to effectively protect various crops against harmful insects. Here are just a few examples:
Aliaceae (onion, garlic, leek): protection against onion and leek maggot.
Brassicas (cabbage, radish, mustard, etc.): barrier against flea beetles, bugs and butterfly pests.
Umbellifers (carrot, celery, fennel, etc.): prevention against carrot fly.
By preventing access to insects, these nets drastically reduce insect attacks and enable the production of healthy vegetables without chemical intervention.
2. A 100% natural alternative
One of the major advantages of anti-insect netting is that it totally eliminates the need for chemical or biological plant protection treatments. Protection is passive, while respecting the environment and consumer health.
3. A sustainable, cost-effective solution
Unlike other protection methods, insect netting is extremely durable. Properly maintained, they can be used for over 10 years. Their initial cost is largely amortized over time, offering a cost-effective solution for market gardeners concerned about the profitability of their operation.
4. Year-round protection
Anti-insect netting provides an effective physical barrier whatever the season. Whether in spring to avoid the first infestations, in summer to protect growing crops or in autumn to prolong harvests, they can be adapted to different crop cycles.
Tips for optimum installation
For anti-insect nets to play their full role, careful installation is essential. These simple steps guarantee optimum, long-lasting protection, while facilitating access to crops for maintenance and harvesting. Here are our recommendations:
Stretch the net tightly over three planks, placing it on hoops to prevent it from resting directly on the plants or seedlings.
Fasten securely with silosacs along the length and width to prevent wind uplift.
Provide sufficient overhangs on all sides to prevent insect intrusion.
Check the condition of the net regularly, to avoid accidental tears or openings.
Complementarity with other protection methods
Although highly effective, insect nets can be combined with other agroecological techniques to maximize their impact. For example:
Crop combinations: growing repellent plants close to sensitive crops can enhance protection against certain pests.
Natural auxiliaries: encouraging the presence of ladybugs, lacewings and insectivorous birds helps to regulate pest populations.
Crop rotation: changing the location of plantations each year limits the proliferation of insects specific to a given crop.
Conclusion
Anti-insect nets are an essential solution for bio-intensive market gardeners wishing to protect their crops without spraying. Efficient, natural, long-lasting and usable all year round, they enable you to produce healthy vegetables while respecting the environment. By adopting this method, you promote more resilient, self-sufficient market gardening, while guaranteeing the quality of your harvests. A sustainable investment for responsible agriculture, even on small surfaces!
Onion crops under anti-insect netting