Spring is almost here and I'm sure that we're all waiting impatiently for the snow to go away...I know I am ;-) I love designing and creating all kinds of stuff and that also include designing my own trellis. After searching online for all kinds of trellis, I've decided to make my own. Here are some tips to make a basic trellis at a much lower price than what you can buy online or at a store. The materials here makes 2 trellises - 4 x 4feet each. Materials: (You will need a pencil, ruler & small drill) 1) 2 pieces for 2 main posts - 1-1/4ins x 1-1/4 ins x Length: 8feet. Cut (8ft) into half each = 4pieces (4ft each piece) 2) 2 pieces for horizontal support - 1-1/4ins x 1/2ins x Length: 8feet. Cut (8ft) into half each = 4pieces 3) 24pieces (small) - Open eye hooks 4) 8pieces of wood screws - 1/2inch wood screws (or whatever is useful for your wood) 4) 2rolls - Twines/ropes/jute ropes (I bought the twines from a Dollar Tree store for $1.00 each) - 1 roll for 1 trellis. Make sure that the size of the twines/jute ropes are small enough for the open eye hooks. a) Start with cutting all the wood into half. Mark the bottom - depth for the 4 main posts (in the ground). I use 8ins in depth to dig the soil. b) Mark the 4 posts (at the bottom) around 3ins from ground level (or more if you wish). I use 2.5ins markings for all the eye hooks for the twines/jute ropes. c) After marking, use wood screws to secure the horizontal woods to the main posts. It will look like a rectangle. Leave a bit of space at the top of the posts - it will look nicer that way. d) Drill small holes at your marking (for the open eye hooks). Screw the eye hooks in and the opening face outward (sideways - left & right). e) Start the twine on the top of the post where the first eye hook is. Tie a double knot and string across horizontally, going round the eye hook at the opposite side. Always tie a knot at each eye hook to stabilize the netting. f) I use knots for both horizontal and vertical ties. It will look like squares. If you don't want to use knots (to simplify everything and save time), just keep stringing right to left (or vice versa). g) I tie knots from the top (horizontal supports) to the bottom. You can i) secure with staples ii) Measure the twines/jute ropes (vertically) and tie both ends with knots OR iii) Buy more open eye hooks for vertical netting. h) Secure the trellis by tying the twine/jute ropes diagonally across - to keep the shape and preventing it from going sideways. I secure it twice to brace the strong wind here. I didn't cut any twines/jute ropes. I use the whole roll and tying knots all the way. Pictures are included for your info. Sorry, the picture is a bit dark. By the time I finshed the first trellis, the sun went to hide. If you need more info, let me know. Be happy to help..and don't forget to have fun!! Designing a trellis-1 ( photo / image / picture from AgnesKS's Garden ) Designing a trellis ( photo / image / picture from AgnesKS's Garden ) Open eye hooks ( photo / image / picture from AgnesKS's Garden ) Finished trellis-1 ( photo / image / picture from AgnesKS's Garden )
Thanks! Will post more DIY projects. Will be doing our own raised garden bed. Have a beautiful weekend!
Thank you for the kind compliments, dear Sisters and Brothers! The trellis can be used for pole beans, cucumbers and more. I will use them for the veggies first and make another set for my Morning Glory. If you need to save space, you can grow the vegetable climbers on both sides - by twining both sides (front and back) using the same eye hooks. This way, you hit '2 birds with one stone'. God bless all of you and have a beautiful Sunday!
Hi Agnes, Just noticed the town in western PA that you live in. My grandparents lived in McDonald. I think that is close to where you are. I also lived in that part of the country when I was small...in a town called Clinton.
Hi Agnes -- how are you doing? This trellis is great. Functional and nice looking too. I like the idea of the netting made by the twine because you can easily reach through it to pick the veggies... Nice!
Hi Driss, Both McDonald and Monongahela is in Washington County. Clinton is a borough of both Allegheny and Washington Counties. Monongahela City is probably the oldest town settlement in the history of Washington County. Washington County has the oldest Native American conservation. Monongahela City is a very small town, quiet and not much happening here (compared to my birth country). Both hubby and I, we asked God for a place to settle down and create a mini-farming system, while helping others to go 'green' (instead of buying and more buying from stores)...and...we end up here in Monongahela. We're about 5mins from Mon River..so..it is nice to go for walks.
Thank you, sweet Daisy. Good thing about it - you can do whatever height/width you want. Cheap and good - No fix rules.
Thanks Agnes, I thought they must be close. I remember hearing my grandmother mention your town. I spent some of my happiest summer days visiting in your area.
