If you mean the chicken wire cubes he recommends, then they should be removed about the time the plant grows too big for the cage. Though I guess it wouldn't hurt the plant to leave it, assuming the stem is smaller than the holes.

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sinfonian's garden adventure

I'm in the same boat. I ended up just covering the plants that are not on the trellis with the chicken wire cage, but that leaves the trellised plants exposed and a way for "critters" to sneak into the garden. I've considered fencing off the entire garden. That's the only solution I've been able to come up with.

christy - in my opinion, that is the only solution, and exactly what I did...

EG

Will an electric fence work? I know it won't keep birds out, but does it work for possums, coons and squirrels?

Rachel

I have 24" high chicken wire encircling each of my garden beds (4'x4's)and held closed with a bungee cord. I did this as a temporary measure (my plans were to make the SFG wire cage) to keep my dogs out of the beds. But it has worked so well I'm leaving them. They are low enough I can tend my plants without removing the fence and when it is windy I just use clothespins to pin the sunscreen to the fencing. And if the wind changes direction - no problem, just remove and put on the other side. I've bought some bird netting and if I see any evidence of birds in the garden I will drape that over the PVC frames.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gardening in the Low Desert