Peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, beans, squash, and peppers all have one thing in common: they climb. Their tender branches reach for the sun and grab hold of anything they can to get higher. With so many varieties of plants that climb, a garden is just about naked without a trellis for them to rise onto. Not only that, but a garden trellis gives the garden an architectural element that is just as decorative as it is functional.
We decided to build a trellis that would span across the space of two of our beds, thus maximizing the growing space and making an awesome tunnel. We went for an understated look because, I believe, less will let the plants shine their own beauty. If you agree with that idea, then hold on tight because I’ve got a tutorial for you. Here you will learn how to build a garden trellis.
This is project that can be done with two people in less than 2 hours and for about $30. The materials are as follows:
- Four 2x4s, 10 feet long
- Four 2x4s cut to 3 feet long each
- Galvanized Wire Fencing, 3 feet wide
- 1 ¼ inch decking screws
- 3 inch decking screws
- 1 inch staples
Tools used:
- Circular saw
- Power drill
- Staple gun and compressor
- Bolt Cutter
For the first step you’ll want to dig four holes for your “posts” to go into. Decide on your desired height (We wanted ours to be 7 feet tall so my super tall husband could walk under). Then dig your hole to be as deep as the difference of your height from 10. For example, our holes were 3 feet deep.
Once your holes are done set the posts inside of them. Since ours was within the raised beds we used those to make them more secure. If you are having yours be free standing, I would recommend pouring some sac-crete into each hole. Fill the rest of the hole with dirt and tamp it down. We then screwed the posts to the sides of the raised beds for that added support.
Next we are going to add the top. Cut four 2x4s to three feet long. Secure two to the sides of two of your posts and two to the tops to make a square frame. This is a two person job with one holding the boards and one drilling and screwing.
Finally, stretch the wire up one side, over the top, and down the other side. If your measurements were correct, you should have minimal wire cutting to do (one of my least favorite jobs).
This garden trellis certainly added a lot of character to our garden, don’t you think? The best part is watching Jordan run underneath it! He thinks it’s so cool! With the many varieties of climbing plants available, it’s almost a shame not to add such a useful and beautiful element to your garden as a trellis! Especially if you can make one for only $30 and a few hours of your time.
If you like this garden project check out some of my others like my raised garden beds, pallet strawberry planter, and garden markers. Happy planting my friends!
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