How to Choose Trellises for Climbing Plants | Gardener's Supply (2024)

FAQs

How to Choose Trellises for Climbing Plants | Gardener's Supply? ›

Choose supports that are sturdy enough for the vines you want to plant. Supports should be made of weatherproof materials (such as galvanized or powder-coated steel, painted or treated wood), especially if you are planting a perennial vine.

It's essential to consider the specific needs of your plants when selecting a trellis. Some plants, such as heavy vines, require sturdy and durable trellises, while lighter plants may thrive on more delicate structures. Understanding your plant's needs is the first step in choosing the perfect trellis.

If using single-plant trellises, you'll need one for each plant. Other trellises, like the Freyr trellis, are designed to hold a number of plants at the same time. The exact number of plants will depend on the crop, but as an example, a single Freyr trellis can support six tomato plants.

We recommend a trellis that's tall enough to accommodate growing vines, but not so tall that you'd have to stretch to pick. Our trellises measure 6 feet tall, but anywhere from 4 to 6 feet will work for growing most vining plants vertically. If your vines begin to grow out of hand, pinch off the top tip of the vine.

There are many choices of trellis materials out there. But when it comes to building heavy duty trellis specifically, wood and metal are the most popular options because they offer more sturdiness and durability.

Some authorities permit trellises to extend beyond the 2-metre fence height restriction, on the condition that the trellis itself does not serve as a further barrier and is solely used for supporting plant growth. The rationale behind this allowance is based on privacy concerns.

As long as the plants are properly trellised, 18″ is just wide enough for a wheelbarrow or walking with decent elbow room. I can even get my lawnmower in between, although I typically use my string trimmer to cut the grass there. My trellises are 42” apart, with 24” beds and 18” walkways.

In conclusion, if you plant anything that will last more than a few months – you need to buy the strongest trellis you can. If the plant says it will grow to 10 feet tall in 5 years, then the trellis needs have at least 10 feet for the plant to grow along.

How deep should a trellis post be? ›

The I-trellis can be a single load bearing wire, or two wires (load bearing and cane positioning) secured to posts at 2 and 4 ft above the ground (Figure 7-1). Posts can be metal or wood treated for in-ground use, and should be set at least 2 ft deep and spaced about 25 to 30 ft apart.

Metal is the sturdiest material for a trellis. It is strong, and it will not break apart under stress, however, it is important to use a metal which will not easily rust in the rain, and which has been welded, not woven together.

Design and pattern: Lattices have a crisscross pattern, often forming diamonds or squares, whereas trellises usually have a more rigid, grid-like structure.