If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experimented with different styles of trellises to support your tomato plants, only to find that most were good for just a single season and not always effective. But no worries. I’ve cracked the code to a sturdy, reliable trellis and I’m here to teach you how.
First of all, are you familiar with a tomato trellis? A tomato trellis is a structure that supports the growth of tomato plants, helping them to grow vertically instead of sprawling outward. It typically consists of stakes or poles, along with a framework of horizontal supports, to which the tomato plants can be tied or trained as they grow.
Why is a Tomato Trellis Important?
Space Efficiency:
By growing tomatoes vertically, a trellis maximizes the use of limited garden space. This is especially beneficial for urban gardeners or those with small plots.
Improved Air Circulation:
A trellis allows for better air circulation around the plants, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as blight.
Easier Harvesting:
When tomatoes are grown on a trellis, they are more accessible for harvesting. No more bending or reaching into tangled foliage to pick your ripe tomatoes!
Prevents Rot and Spoilage:
Keeping the fruits off the ground reduces the risk of rot and spoilage, ensuring that you can enjoy your homegrown tomatoes at their best.
Enhanced Sunlight Exposure:
Vertical growth on a trellis exposes more of the plant to sunlight, which is crucial for the development of flavorful tomatoes.
Below is a Sample of Tomato Trellises
The Birth of a DIY Idea
Because I’ve tried many types or designs of trellises before, I already have a picture in mind of what will work for us. I discussed it with my fiance, and she played a significant role in the design. From that moment, we decided to give it a go, and all our efforts were worth it because it turned out to be the perfect trellis for our needs.
Gathering Supplies and Building the Structure
To kickstart this DIY project, I headed to a local store for some quality wood. I chose sections of 72 inches in height, as I planned to grow indeterminate varieties of tomatoes. Remember, you can adjust these measurements according to your needs and the variety of plants you’re growing.
I started by constructing the sides of the trellis. This involved two 72 inches of wooden pieces with the top of the legs cut on a 13’’ angle (180 degrees) for aesthetic appeal.
Next, I cut two braces, one measuring 9 1/2 inches placed 3 inches from the top and another one measuring 34 3/4 inches placed 59 inches from the top.
Here’s a pro tip: when fixing the wooden braces, offset some of the screws to reduce the chances of the wood splitting. I used 2.3 inches screws and didn’t pre-drill the wood.
Once I completed one side, I repeated the process to create a second identical frame.
Assembling the A-Frame
Time for the exciting part! With my fiance steadying the A-frames, I lined up an 80-inch wooden trellis bar along the top part of the trellis. I repeated the same process for the other side, and voila, I had the main structure of the A-shaped trellis.
For added stability, I fixed a long wooden trellis bar between the two bottom braces. If you prefer, you could skip this step and use the base of the plant to secure the strings.
Finishing Touches
The final step in this DIY masterpiece? Running some hardy cotton twine or durable string from top to bottom – this will be the primary support for your plants.
And there you have it! A sturdy, personalized trellis that not only supports my tomato plants but also adds an aesthetic appeal to my garden.
Happy growing!
