How to Build a Grape Vine Arch Trellis

Overview

Grape vines benefit a landscape in several ways: they add aesthetic beauty and an important architectural element, and also help achieve a hearty fruit production. Grape vines need a support system, whether it is a trellis or arbor. When building a support, construct one that has multiple uses, like an arch trellis. This way, it can double as an entryway or focal point in a garden. When building your own arbor, consider the size you want it to be and the location.

Step 1

Dig the support post holes with the post digger. You will need four holes that are spaced evenly apart on flat, even ground. The spacing of the holes depends on how large your arch trellis is going to be. The holes should be about 1 1/2 to 2 feet deep and slightly smaller in diameter then the posts. Pour 1/2 lb. of gravel into the bottom of each hole.

Step 2

Insert each post into a hole, carefully turning it clockwise to secure tightly until the pole touches the bottom of the hole.

Step 3

Use the drill to create three holes on the front of each post, spaced evenly. Insert an eye screw with a screw into each drill hole.

Step 4

Pull the steel wire through the first row of eyes that you drilled, then cut the wire and twist it around the top of a pole to secure it tight. Repeat this process with the second and third row of eyes separately. This creates the trellising area that makes it an arch trellis. Cut off any sharp wire edges.

Step 5

Plant one grape vine transplant at the base of each arch trellis pole, facing outward. Planting procedures will vary depending on the grape variety, but usually gardeners place each transplant in a hole as deep as the root ball. Backfill the soil to make it firmly packed around the base.

Step 6

Use plant ties to carefully tie the stems and vines up the posts and onto the wires.