Growing vertically in a food garden offers several advantages, including increased yields, efficient use of space, improved air circulation, and easier maintenance. A trellis can also shade cool season veggies from summer heat. The trellis designs below offer different options for supporting a wide range of climbing vegetables. Construct your own trellis or buy them ready-made.
Trellis design options
There are many trellis options for every crop, skill level and budget. Check out many helpful trellis videos on YouTube. Here is a video with 5 interesting trellis options.
Tomato Cages: Tomato cages are widely used for supporting tomato plants. They come in different sizes, with larger cages suitable for indeterminate varieties that can grow up to 6-8 feet tall. Smaller cages can be used for determinate varieties that grow up to 3-4 feet tall.
Teepees from wood and metal: Teepees are simple and cost-effective trellis designs made by erecting tall poles and then tying them together at the top. You can use wood or metal poles, and the design can be adjusted to accommodate the height of the plant. Teepees are ideal for peas, beans, and cucumbers.
Cattle fencing metal trellis: Cattle fencing trellises are made from sturdy, galvanized wire mesh and can be used for heavy vines like squash, melons, and cucumbers. They are easy to install and can be customized to the required size.
Florida weave trellis for tomatoes: The Florida weave is a simple, low-cost trellis system for tomatoes. It involves weaving twine around a series of stakes to create a support system for the plants. The twine is looped around the base of each plant, then woven around the stakes, forming a horizontal weave that provides support for the stems. There are many helpful YouTube videos on how to construct a Florida weave trellis.
Wooden flat trellis: Flat trellises made of wood are a popular option for vegetables like peas and beans. They consist of a series of horizontal slats attached to vertical stakes, forming a ladder-like structure for the plants to climb.
Wood or metal frame with a string grid: A wood or metal frame with a string grid is a versatile trellis design that can be used for a wide range of vegetables. The frame provides a sturdy support structure, while the strings form a grid that the plants can climb.
Arched arbor: Arched arbors add an attractive visual element to the garden while also providing support for climbing plants like peas and beans. The arbor can be made from wood or metal and can be customized to the required size.
Sturdy trellis for heavy Veggies: For heavy veggies like squash, a sturdy trellis is required. The trellis should be made from a durable material like wood or metal and should be anchored firmly to the ground. The design can be adjusted to accommodate the height and weight of the plant.
Advantages of growing vertically on a trellis
Growing food vertically on a trellis offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for home gardeners and farmers alike. It’s an excellent way to maximize space, improve plant health, make harvesting easier, and create a beautiful garden. It is a sustainable and efficient way to grow food that is beneficial for both the environment and the gardener.
Maximizes space: Vertical gardening is an excellent way to grow more plants in a smaller area. With trellising, plants can grow up rather than out, which means you can plant more crops in a smaller garden plot or greenhouse. This is especially useful for urban or suburban gardeners who have limited space.
Improves plant health: By growing plants vertically on a trellis, you can increase air circulation around the plants, which can reduce the incidence of diseases and pests. Plants grown on a trellis also get more sunlight, which can help them produce more flowers and fruit.
Easier harvesting: Harvesting crops grown on a trellis is much easier than harvesting crops grown on the ground. The plants are at a more accessible height, and the fruit or vegetables are more visible, making it easier to see when they are ripe and ready to be picked.
Aesthetic appeal: Vertical gardening adds visual interest to your garden. Trellises can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or bamboo, and can be designed in many different shapes and sizes. This allows you to create a beautiful and functional garden that is also a focal point of your outdoor space.
Saves water: When plants are grown vertically, they require less water than plants grown on the ground. This is because the soil around the plants is shaded, which helps to retain moisture in the soil. As a result, you can conserve water and reduce your overall water usage.
Increased crop yield: Vertical gardening can lead to increased crop yields. By growing plants vertically, you can provide more growing space for each plant, which allows them to produce more fruit or vegetables. Additionally, trellising can help support the weight of heavy fruit, such as melons or pumpkins, which can prevent them from breaking off the vine prematurely.
“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts
See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.
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