We've been using an electric fence here for years to keep 'coon, and groundhogs out. Always used the small pet containment chargers, which used to run about $20. Now, I think they are upwards of $25-$30, but last for years. Wooden stakes, with plastic insulators were screwed to the stakes, so the bottom wire was approx. 4" off the ground, and top around 12". These also will last for years, if you just put them up for amonth or so, and take down when the season is over.
Deer became a larger problem in the last couple of years, especially last year. I scarffed up some T-posts, and bought a few to put up a taller fence. About 2 weeks ago, one jumped the fence, but caused no damage. It did wander into the fence at one end, from the looks of the tracks, and didn't like the results. Lookslike it jumped back out somewhere. So, cut up 6 bars of Irish Spring bar soap into 1/4's, bored holes through it, and hung from T-posts with zip ties. I guess it really does work, as there aren't even any hoof prints in the loose dirt, beyond the fence.
Now that it seems I've got the 4-legged critters at bay, Starlings pulled up/snipped off about a half dozen tomato, and pepper plants soon after transplanting. 2 years ago, when I tried growing some popcorn, crows pulled up all but one of what I planted, at the 2 leaf stage, getting at the kernels. If I ever try that again, I'll run a double row of electric fence over top of it, and watch the fun. There have been more than several Robin's killed when for some reason touching their beaks to the wire. I can only suspect getting a bug, or cleaning their beak. I feel bad about getting those, because they are always out there eating bugs & grubs. One particular Momma' Robin is always there when I'm tilling, or hoeing, picking up the wounded worms, or grubs I bring to the surface. I had to chuckle, when I saw her spent egg shells scattered here and there in the garden, like she's trying to help, adding cacium. Every little bit helps....
