Build a garden trellis
Make a folding A-frame trellis for peas, beans and other lightweight annual climbers.
Lawn & garden · 4–6 hr · Medium
Before you start
Check underground utilities and private irrigation before driving anchors. Clamp cuts and wear eye protection. Avoid sharp wire ends, secure loose netting and keep children from climbing. Remove or lower the trellis before severe wind rather than relying on plants to stabilize it.
Tools and materials
- Cedar 1×3 cut list: four 72-in uprights and six 36-in cross rails; two exterior hinges with ⅝-in screws; two spread-limiting chains, eye fittings and four rated garden anchors
- Two approximately 36×72-in garden-netting panels, exterior glue, 1¼-in screws for overlapped frame joints, netting ties, saw, drill, clamps, square, tape and eye protection
Check the problem
Match plants to the support
Choose light annual climbers and a site with suitable sun and harvesting access. Use a stronger designed structure for heavy squash, woody vines or large hanging loads.
Plan the footprint and anchors
The two 72-inch panels open to roughly a 36-inch base depth. Leave room on both sides and confirm the soil can hold the chosen anchors. The chains limit spread; they do not replace ground anchoring.
Steps
Cut and smooth the frame stock
Cut the four uprights and six cross rails. Ease splinters and predrill the overlapping joints. Use straight stock; a twisted frame will make the hinges bind.
Assemble two matching panels
Lay two uprights parallel with outside edges 36 inches apart. Place 36-inch rails across their faces at the top, middle and bottom. Square the assembly, glue the overlaps and fasten each overlap with two staggered 1¼-inch screws. Repeat and let the glue cure.
Fit the top hinges
Lay the two panels flat end-to-end, top rails adjacent and their broad faces upward. Surface-mount two exterior hinges across that joint, with each leaf on a different top rail and both barrels on the same joint line. Use ⅝-inch screws in ¾-inch stock; predrill without breaking through. Lift the joined tops to test that the panels form an A and fold together freely.
Attach the climbing netting
Spread each panel flat and fasten netting securely around its perimeter and center rail with outdoor ties. Trim and secure loose ends; do not leave loops or sharp protrusions. Keep netting clear of the hinges.
Limit the opening and anchor
Open to the planned footprint. Attach a chain on each side between opposing uprights so both become taut at the same spread. Secure all four feet to anchors suitable for the soil, staying clear of marked utilities.
Test and train the plants
Gently test the empty trellis for sliding, spreading and rocking, correcting movement first. Guide young shoots onto the netting with loose soft ties. Recheck anchors as plants grow and after rain or wind.
Gently test the empty trellis for sliding, spreading and rocking, correcting movement first. Guide young shoots onto the netting with loose soft ties. Recheck anchors as plants grow and after rain or wind.
Tips
Test on offcuts
Confirm the folding direction before drilling the finished panels.
Use loose ties
Tight ties can damage growing stems.
Store it folded
At season’s end, remove growth, dry the frame and inspect joints before storage.