Hardware cloth bottom for gophers, moles, and voles

Installing hardware cloth (welded wire mesh) beneath a raised bed before filling with soil creates an impenetrable barrier against burrowing pests. Use 1/2-inch gauge galvanized hardware cloth for gophers and moles, or 1/4-inch gauge for voles (which can squeeze through larger openings). Cut the mesh 6-8 inches larger than the bed footprint on all sides, fold the excess up the interior walls, and staple or screw it to the bed frame using galvanized staples or fender washers with screws. Fold and overlap corners carefully to eliminate any gaps. For maximum durability, use stainless steel gopher wire mesh instead of galvanized, which resists soil moisture and acidity much longer (15+ years versus 5-10 years for galvanized). Stainless steel mesh costs more ($1-3 per square foot versus $0.50-1 for galvanized) but is a one-time installation. This is the single most effective method for gopher-prone areas and should be considered non-negotiable in any region with active burrowing rodents. Install before adding any soil, as retrofitting is extremely difficult.