When autumn and winter roll in, most of us think frost protection. But cold, drying winds can be just as damaging, shredding leaves, drying out soil, and stressing plants so they stall. If your garden or allotment is exposed, adding a garden wind break can make a huge difference to growth and yields.
In this guide we’ll cover simple garden windbreak ideas and why windbreak netting is often the quickest, most affordable fix.
Why wind protection matters
- Reduces plant stress: Wind strips moisture from leaves and soil, slowing growth.
- Prevents physical damage: Tall or tender crops (beans, brassicas, fruit canes) are easily knocked about.
- Improves microclimate: Slowing wind creates a calmer, slightly warmer pocket around crops.
Garden windbreak ideas (quick overview)
- Living hedges/screens (willow/hazel): Attractive and wildlife-friendly, but slow to establish.
- Solid fences/panels: Can block wind, but may cause turbulence that whips over the top.
- Structures (fruit cages, polytunnels): Excellent protection but higher cost.
- Windbreak netting: Fast, flexible and cheap windbreak option that slows wind rather than blocking it.
Why choose windbreak netting?
Windbreak netting reduces wind speed while allowing air and light through, avoiding the turbulence issues you get with solid barriers. It’s lightweight, easy to handle and simple to fix to posts, fences or frames, perfect for allotment windbreak setups.
💡Bonus tip: If rabbits are a problem, trench the netting a few inches into the soil along the fence line to help deter digging.
Our Olive Green Windbreak Netting (two ways to buy)
- Buy per metre (minimum 5m): ideal for small projects and test runs:
👉 Olive Green Windbreak Netting – Per Metre - Buy a 100m roll: best value for larger plots, community gardens or long runs:
👉 Olive Green Windbreak Netting – 100m Roll
Available widths: 0.68m, 1.36m and 2.05m. Subtle olive-green blends into the garden, and installation is as simple as cable ties or clips on posts or existing fencing.
How to install windbreak netting (quick guide)
- Plan the windward side of beds or plot (where prevailing wind hits first).
- Use sturdy posts at 2–2.5m spacing; keep the barrier slightly porous (don’t over-tension).
- Fix the netting with cable ties or staples at regular intervals.
- Leave a small gap at ground level (1–2 bricks) to reduce turbulence or trench it in if rabbits are the priority.
- Step windbreaks for tall crops (e.g., brassicas) to shelter without shading.
Where windbreaks help most
- Newly planted beds and young seedlings
- Tall/stemmy crops (sprouts, kale, runner beans)
- Fruit cages and soft fruit rows
- Exposed perimeters and allotment boundaries
Final thoughts
A simple garden wind break can protect plants, conserve moisture and keep growth ticking over through rough weather. If you want a fast, affordable fix, try windbreak netting:
- For small projects:
👉 Buy Per Metre (min. 5m) - For best value on longer runs:
👉 Buy a 100m Roll
This is limited clearance stock, once it’s gone, it’s gone.
