DIY Garden Trellis
I have wanted a garden trellis for so long. But have you seen the prices for them online?! It’s a bit out of our budget. If it’s out of yours too or maybe you just like building things, read on! We made ours in one day, it’s definitely doable for a family to tackle together.
We put up three arches along the pathway between two garden beds this weekend. I’m so thankful David has taught these kids how to work hard. One of them drove all the t-posts into the ground, the other two attached the hog panels to the t-posts. Mom (that’s me!) took photos and supervised.
I call that a win and an early Mother’s Day present!
I’m planning to grow three types of zucchini up the arches this summer.
I can’t wait to take you along with me . .
What are the benefits (besides being beautiful and adding architectural interest to a garden) of having vegetables grow vertically?
Healthier Plants - when plants can grow up and out, instead of spreading on the ground on top of each other, it creates more air circulation. This allows the leaves to stay drier and less prone to disease which then leads to less pests. Growing up also helps prevent fruit rot so you get more out of your harvest.
More Sunlight ~ Growing up allows more sunlight to get to more of the plant yielding more vegetables.
Maximizes Space ~ Whether you have a lot of room or not much at all, it’s never enough. Growing up allows for more plants. And what gardener doesn’t want MORE space?
Easier to Harvest ~ instead of bending down you can reach up. Maybe this will count as a daily workout come summer?!
What vegetables grow well on a garden trellis?
Cucumbers - cucumbers are great, natural climbers. They’ll grow on just about anything if you let them.
Pole Beans ~ another natural climber and they’re beautiful to boot. This year I have mine growing in the middle of the beds climbing a store-bought trellis.
Peas ~ Peas are another natural climber that are beautiful trellised, especially when its white flowers are in bloom. I’m excited to use these trellises this fall for peas.
Summer Squash & Melons ~ These take up valuable bed space, so while climbing isn’t their natural inclination, growing them on a trellis has many benefits. Growing squash and melons vertically will save valuable space and decreases pest infestations. The trick is giving the large fruit support as they grow.