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+--- Thread: Advice on Solar Electric Fence for Small Garden (/showthread.php?tid=654)
RE: Advice on Solar Electric Fence for Small Garden - Greencorner - 02-18-2023
I have a small garden, which needs electric fencing all the time as squirrels and other animals are attacking my plants most of the time. Does somebody give me the best advice for installing a solar electric fence for a small garden on my terrace and around my home at ground.
RE: Advice on Solar Electric Fence for Small Garden - srinivas - 10-01-2025
Hi there,
I've used a solar electric fence for my veggie patch for a few seasons now to keep out rabbits and the neighbour's cats, and it's been a game-changer. It's not as daunting as it sounds! Here’s a breakdown from my experience.
How it Works (The Super Simple Version)
A solar electric fence system has three main parts:
The Energizer (Fence Charger): This is the brains and the muscle. The solar panel charges a battery inside it, and the energizer takes that power and sends very short, high-voltage pulses (about one per second) down the fence wire.
The Fence Wire/Tape: This is what carries the pulse. You can use thin, polywire, or wider tape that's more visible.
The Posts: These insulate the wire from the ground. If the wire touches a weed or a metal post, the power leaks out and the fence gets weak.
The shock is startling and memorable, but it's safe for humans and animals. It's the same principle as a static shock, just a bit more intense.
Key Considerations for a Small Garden
What are you trying to stop?
Rabbits & Cats: You only need 1 or 2 strands of wire. The bottom strand should be 2-3 inches off the ground for rabbits, and a second strand at 6-8 inches for cats.
Raccoons & Foxes: You'll need 2-3 strands, with the top one around 10-12 inches high.
Deer: This is overkill for a small garden, but requires a much taller, 5-6 strand fence.
Energizer Power: For a small garden and small pests, a low-impedance, low-power energizer is perfect. They are designed for short fences and are very efficient. Look for a kit marketed for "pets" or "small gardens."
Visibility is Crucial: Animals (and people!) need to see it. Use white polytape or wire with a white thread running through it. This prevents accidental contact and works as a visual deterrent. Many animals will avoid it once they learn it's there.
My Top Tips for Success
Buy a Complete Kit: For your first time, this is the way to go. It ensures the energizer, wire, and posts are all compatible. Brands like Parker McCrory or Fi-Shock make good, affordable beginner kits.
Grounding is EVERYTHING. This is the most common mistake! The circuit is completed when an animal touches the wire and the ground at the same time. Your energizer will have metal rods that must be driven deep into moist soil. If the ground is dry, pour water on the rods. A poor ground means a weak shock.
Keep the "Weed Zone" Clear. Any grass or weeds touching the bottom wire will drain the power, making the fence useless. Either lay down a mulch/gravel strip underneath the fence or be prepared to trim regularly.
Test, Test, Test! Buy a fence tester. It's a cheap tool that tells you if your fence is pulsing correctly. If the shock seems weak, the tester will tell you where the problem is (bad ground, vegetation short, broken wire).
Place the Solar Unit in Full Sun. Obviously, but it's worth stating. Even a few hours of direct sun is usually enough to keep the battery charged.
Is it Worth It?
Absolutely, for the right reasons.
Pros: It's a humane, 24/7 deterrent. Once set up, it's low maintenance (besides weed trimming). No chemicals, no traps. It gives you great peace of mind.
Cons: It requires initial setup and ongoing vigilance against vegetation. It won't stop digging animals like moles or voles (you'd need an underground wire for that).
Final Verdict: For a small garden plagued by rabbits and cats, a solar electric fence is a fantastic, effective solution. Start with a small pet/garden kit, focus on good grounding and weed control, and you'll be amazed at the results.
Good luck with your garden!
RE: Advice on Solar Electric Fence for Small Garden - shilparamam - 10-05-2025
For a small area, get a low-impedance solar energizer. Use highly-visible polytape on fiberglass posts. The key is a proper ground; use at least one 4-foot copper rod in moist soil for the ground-level fence. Keep the wires clear of weeds and test it weekly.