Many companies, smallholders and homeowners across the country grow fruit and vegetables.In some cases, this is purely for enjoyment and to generate a little produce to cook and eat, while in others it is an essential means of living off the land or of generating profit.
Whatever the motivation, all who plant, tend to and pick crops want to minimise the amount of food lost to pests.
There are a range of animals that are intent on feasting on fruit and vegetables, including rabbits, slugs and various species of bird.
Of course, in some cases larger creatures such as deer and sheep are responsible for causing damage.
One expert has pointed out that there are a number of ways of minimising the risks of such loss, and using wire fencing and other forms of garden fencing is one of these.
Writing for the Daily Telegraph, Sarah Raven cited the example of growing carrots.
She said that utilising wire fencing when cultivating these orange vegetables means certain animals cannot get to them.
However, garden fencing is not the only solution, she noted.
Ms Raven stated: “With small numbers of carrots, or if you hate the idea of a cage, try a dilution of Olbas oil (a strong-smelling blend of essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, juniper berry, clove and menthol) to keep carrot fly at bay.
“Put three drops into a normal-sized watering can and water your carrots once a week. The smell keeps the flies away.”
Meanwhile, it is possible to protect flower and other plant beds by placing reflective tape in a criss-crossed pattern on top of them, she added.
Although this time of year is not very good for growing most plants, it can be ideal for making changes to outdoor spaces and engaging in some landscaping so that when the warmer months arrive, people can concentrate on getting as high a yield of fruit and vegetables as possible.