Plant Supports + Trellising Basics
Trellising is a fantastic way to maximize your garden space, support climbing plants, and create an organized and visually appealing garden layout. However, knowing how to choose the right trellis for each plant and finding a plant support that’s suited to your specific garden space, can be tricky and overwhelming.
Choosing the Right Trellis
If you are just starting out on your edible gardening journey, you will quickly learn that a variety of vegetable plants tend to “sprawl” or naturally climb or twine as they mature, and will require some kind of plant support during the gardening season. Some common vegetable varieties that typically require plant supports include: tomatoes, peas, pole beans, and cucumbers.
When selecting a trellis or plant support you will need to consider:
The height, width, and strength of the trellis based on the size and weight of the plants you plan to grow. If you're growing heavy fruiting plants like melons or pumpkins on a trellis, ensure the trellis is sturdy enough to support the weight.
The Positioning/Location: placing the trellis in an area that allows enough space for the plants to climb and spread and ensures it is firmly anchored in the ground, soil or against a wall.
Stability: Make sure your trellis is stable and made of durable material so it can withstand the weight of the plants, as well as unpredictable weather like strong winds and hail. You can consider anchoring it with stakes or securing it to a wall or fence for added stability.
Aesthetic: Trellises or garden arches can be both functional and a beautiful aesthetic addition to your existing garden. Explore various trellis designs to suit your garden aesthetic and the needs of your plants. Arches, pyramids, A-frames, or even decorative obelisks can add visual interest while providing support.
To DIY or To Buy
While establishing my own garden and while coaching my edible gardening clients, I’ve frequently run into the issue of finding existing trellises at local garden stores that are one-size-fits-all. The reason being that each garden is unique and everything from the garden design, structure, and location, as well as the type of plants grown and their individual placement will influence what type of support structure is needed.
However, let’s break this down then to the above-mentioned plants, to help you determine whether to DIY or to buy.
Tomatoes
As a general rule, plants like determinate tomatoes - tomatoes that stop growing when they reach their mature height - benefit from relatively simple support structures like a cone trellis that can be easily purchased from your local garden store. Another super affordable option for these types of tomatoes, are simple garden or bamboo stakes that can even be purchased at the Dollar Store.
However, indeterminate, or vining tomato varieties, can grow up to 10 feet or more depending on the length of your growing season, and typically require a stronger and longer plant support system. I recommend planting these types of tomatoes against a wall or existing permanent structure, and attaching to a very sturdy and tall trellis - minimum 7 feet in height and 2 feet in width. A trellis made out of iron or steel should do the trick even in less protected garden areas.
Beans
The right support for pole beans depends highly on how you plant them. For example beans planted in a circle or within a square foot of garden space, can grow well on a vertical obelisk trellis which can be purchased online, or at your local hardware or garden store. They often come in pretty designs that can serve as an aesthetic complement to your edible garden.
A less expensive, DIY, option could be the traditional and charming tee-pee trellis built with long wooden sticks found or bamboo stakes gathered in a point and tied together at the top. If the beans are planted in rows, a fence-like supportive structure may be more ideal.
Again, the height is key. If you plant early in the season and have a medium to long growing period, your pole beans can keep growing and get pretty tall. So choose a trellis or support system that is at least 7 feet tall.
Peas
Like beans, peas (snow, snap or shelling) can grow quite tall depending on what variety of seed you choose to plant - always check the description on the back to determine how tall your trellising system needs to be. Some varieties of peas are grown specifically to be more compact and will state right on the package that they do not require trellising. However, even with these varieties I have found that it’s still beneficial to place a medium-height support near the base of the plant.
Peas can be planted in a variety of ways, but most commonly the seeds are sown in rows approximately 2 inches apart. Unlike tomatoes and beans, peas tend to grow more densely and they like to wrap their numerous shoots around a more dense support system. Hence, a trellis that has rungs or crosspieces every 2-3 inches is ideal. A fence-like support structure made of chickenwire or plant netting can work well in this case.
Finding the right trellis for peas in a garden store is not easy, and that is why I would recommend going with a DIY option if you plan on growing this specific vegetable. Building your own support structure for peas is relatively simple and affordable, and requires minimal materials and effort.
Cucumbers
There are various trellis systems you can use for cucumbers, such as stakes, cages, A-frames, or vertical netting. One of the most popular trellising options that works well for cucumbers is an A-Frame Trellis. This trellis consists of two angled sides forming an "A" shape, providing sturdy support for climbing cucumber vines. It's simple to construct using wooden or metal beams, with crossbars for the vines to climb on.
LIke peas, cucumbers can also easily climb up a panel trellis made of sturdy wire or mesh. The openings in the mesh should be large enough for the cucumbers to weave their tendrils through. These trellises can be attached to a wall or fence, making use of vertical space.
Other Considerations
Vertical Gardening
Trellises are an excellent solution for vertical gardening, allowing you to grow more plants in a smaller space. Consider utilizing trellises on walls, fences, or even constructing a dedicated vertical garden structure.
Training and Securing your Plants
As your plants begin to grow, you can gently guide the main vine toward your trellis. Then, secure the plants to the trellis using soft ties such as twine, plant velcro, or cloth strips. Avoid using wire or plastic ties that can damage the plant stems.
Get Creative
Trellising doesn't have to be limited to traditional structures. If you are struggling to find something that suits your garden needs at the plant store, consider using repurposed materials like ladders, fences, or even DIY structures to add a unique touch to your garden while providing support for your plants.
Experimenting with Different Materials
Trellises can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, bamboo, or even recycled materials like pallets. Each material brings its own aesthetic appeal and durability, so feel free to experiment with different options.
Incorporating Lighting and Design
If you want to enjoy your garden trellis in the evenings, consider incorporating outdoor lighting fixtures. String lights, solar-powered lanterns, or spotlights can create a magical ambiance around your trellised plants.
And, remember - successful trellising requires a balance between proper plant selection, maintenance, and providing adequate support. With these tips, your garden trellis will not only be functional but also a beautiful and productive addition to your garden space.
