Garden Trellis

This adjustable garden trellis for cucumber/pea/bean vines is a quick project for the vegetable garden. The trellis gets the vines off the ground and is more productive in less space. No giant rotting cucumbers to find three weeks after the rest have matured. It is made from small lumber and twine. Paint is optional but gives a nice pop of color. Just in time for the rapid growth of summer!

Watch Build Here:

Step 1: Tools/Materials

Tools:

• Table Saw
• Drill/Bits
• Tape measure

Materials:

• 2x2x8’ (x2)
• 1x2x8’ (x3)
• Bolt - 1/4" x 3.5" (x2)
• Nut/Washer - 1/4" (x2)
• Nails or Screws
• Stain or Paint (optional)
• String

Step 2: You Will Be Building to This Drawing

Step 3: Legs

Cut 2x2s in half (4 four foot sections). Drill holes as shown.

Step 4: Slats

Cut 1x2s into three 32" sections.

Step 5: Clean & Notches

I clamped the 8 slats together and ran the group across the table saw to even out the edges. The string slots were made by lowering the blade to 1/8" above the table.

Step 6: Paint (optional)

I found it easier to paint the pieces before assembly.

Step 7: Leg Assembly

Build as shown with nails or screws.

Step 8: Assemble

Attach the legs together with 1/4" bolts and wing nuts.

Step 9: Add String

The vertical string fits in the slots. I added diagonal cross string for additional support.

Step 10: Final Product

Ready for the cucumbers - later this summer!

Step 11: In the Garden

Step 12: First Harvest

Comments

[Kugenator]

Hi, just building now. List of supplies says 2.5 inch bolts. but, need 3.5 (see pictures, correct there). Am I missing something? 3.5 is correct as far as I can tell (bolting two 2x2 pieces of wood). Could mean an extra trip to the store for longer bolts you didn't think it through or just looked at the supply list to shop.... is there a way to correct this for others in the future?

[mtairymd]

Ugh...good catch. Yes, you are correct. If you already bought the bolts, you could counterbore the holes to make it work. I will update the parts list. Thanks.

[loehrk]

This is the best plan I've found for a squash trellis. Thanks.

I will pound a 1 foot stake into the ground at each corner to either tie or bolt it to for more stability.

[mtairymd]

Thanks. As for stability, I live in a pretty windy place and haven't had any issues with stability yet.

[bwente]

Much nicer than the ones I made. I used mine growing beans and cukes over my raised garden bed. To provide shade for romaine and bibb lettuce. They provided plenty of shade for them.

[mtairymd]

Thanks. That's a good idea about growing lettuce under the canopy.

[cdstudioNH]

Sure is a great idea, and those trellises are pretty stylish. I'm going to make some. I love the idea of painting them, too.

[mtairymd]

Thank you

[nuelma]

so useful

[arlod2]

Good Job! This is much simpler and effective than other arrangements that I have seen.

[mtairymd]

Thank you. I hope it works out since I promised our local pickle maker a bunch of cucumbers.

[seamster]

This is excellent!

Are you going to enter this into the backyard contest? This is a great fit for that. :)

[mtairymd]

Yes, once it gets approved.

[mtairymd]

It's now entered!

[Jclewis18]

Nice design!

Excellent edition to the garden supplies.

[mtairymd]

Thank you