DIY Network

Electric Fence How to install a shocking but harmless electric fence. From "Fresh from the Garden" episode DFFG-301

Joe Lamp'l is constructing an electric deer fence above the wooden garden fence. This will keep deer and other large scavengers from jumping the fence to reach the garden. He carefully checks the system and posts warning signs so that visitors will stay away from the fence. Finally he adds a motion-sensor sprinkler to spray water on any approaching animals.

advertisement

Figure A

Deer are the toughest pest to keep out: a small fence isn't tall enough, since they can jump as high as 12 feet and are very persistent. Some pests will come over the fence, some through the fence and some under it. You have to protect and reinforce all these areas to keep all the pests out. An electric fence can keep deer out of your garden and away from your crops (figure A).

Before you install an electric fence, check your county regulations to make sure you can use the fence in your area. Always purchase and install warning signs so that visitors to your garden will know about the fence and avoid it. You can purchase an electric fence kit from your local fence company. The fence is designed only to startle the animals, not harm them.

Figure B

The materials below (figure B) will make a fence for a 60'x40' garden.

Materials:

12 4x4 posts
600' of poly wire
36 plastic fence insulators
1 solar fence controller
1 6-volt battery for back-up
2 grounding rods
2 gate kits
1 voltage meter

Page  1 | 2