How to Support Plants on a Trellis

Overview

Using trellises to support plants is a time-honored way of stretching your garden space, keeping tender fruits and vegetables off the ground, and improving production. Some plants like pole beans or clematis may need a little boost as a seedling to find the trellis, and then supports itself by winding up on its own tendrils. Others, like tomatoes or climbing roses, need help along the way.

Step 1

Choose a trellis that's right for your plant's needs. Most tendril-growing plants like vegetables can use a more lightweight trellis with thin supports made out of wood, sticks or string. Heavyweight woody plants like grapevine or wisteria must have a strong support. Consider professionally made trellises out of wood or vinyl for climbing roses, grapevines or wisteria.

Step 2

Plant seeds at the base of your trellis supports. Transplanted plants should be placed about 1 1/2 to 2 feet from the base. Cover with mulch and water thoroughly.

Step 3

Tie canes to the trellis using garden ties or strips of old pantyhose; both can expand with the plant as it grows. Using regular string or ties can damage your plant by cutting into growing canes.

Step 4

Continue tying canes to the trellis as new growth develops. Called "training," you can decide the shape and direction of the growth on your trellis system.

Step 5

Prune dead growth regularly.