How to Construct a Vine Arch Over a Gate
Vine arches create a garden design detail that is elegant and functional. The arch provides shade, and depending on the type of vine chosen, provides fruit or vegetables. A trellis is required for any type of vine you choose for the arch. The trellis is the underlying support of the arch and gives the vine something to hold on to while growing. You can buy or build a trellis for your vine arch. It takes less than a day to make a simple trellis. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel or post-hole digger
- Four 8-foot long pieces of PVC
- Four 45-degree PVC couplings
- Two 5-foot long pieces of flexible PVC
- PVC primer and glue
- Bailing wire
- Wire cutters
- 2 to 4 vine plants
- Twine
Instructions
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1
Dig 2-foot-deep holes for the arch with a shovel or post-hole digger. There are two sets of pipe structures for this arch. The main opening is 4 feet wide. The two pole structures are 12 inches apart. So you need four holes that are 4 feet apart in the middle and 12 inches apart on the sides.
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2
Build the main pipe structures. At one end of each of the four rigid poles, prime and glue the pipe couplings. Attach the flexible PVC to the couplings, also using the primer and glue. When you finish this step, you have two sets of poles connected by flexible PVC.
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3
Set up the arches in the holes. Fill in with dirt, getting the poles as straight as possible. The top tubing will flex, giving the arch its overall shape.
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4
Attach bailing wire to one of the poles at the base. It is simplest to wrap the wire around the post, then twist it on itself to secure it. Take the wire across the 12-inch distance and wrap it around that post. Work your way up both posts, across the arch and down the other side. Cut the wire and secure the end as you did in the beginning.
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5
Plant vines at the base of the trellis on each side. Tie the vines to the wire and trellis frame with twine.
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Tips & Warnings
As the vines grow, continue to tie them to the structure. This helps them know where to grow, and they will naturally weave around the structure.
This arch is for heavier vines, such as grapes or other vines that produce fruits or vegetables. You can use just one PVC arch for lighter vines, such as climbing roses, clematis or snail vines.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
