How to Build a Grapevine Trellis

To grow a productive crop of grapes, you will need a trellis. If your desire is an ornamental arch or trellis as the focal point of your garden, you can purchase those already made. For a simple, functional grapevine trellis, the procedure is relatively simple and can be completed with little knowledge of construction.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 to 4 inches in diameter posts 12 gauge wire Lightweight wire Anchor posts

1. Select 4 foot to 8 for posts for the main structure. Shorter posts allow for easy winter coverage and are a better choice for northern climates. Purchase commercial posts that are 3 inches to 4 inches in diameter. Wooden posts are generally used, but metal or PVC can be used for the home garden. If you are simply creating a trellis for two or three vines, native timbers may be the best choice.

2. Insert the post into the soil to a depth of 2 feet and space 20 feet apart. Select a smaller post as an anchor for the guy wire, and erect on an angle pointing away from the main post. Attach wire securely between the main post and the anchor, pulling taut. The number of the anchor stakes needed depends on the length of the trellis. For a two to three post trellis, an anchor post at either end is fine. For longer trellises, you may need to provide anchor posts at each stake.

3. Run heavy 12 gauge wire 3 inches from the ground along the entire length of your trellis. Add another length of wire approximately one foot from the top of the post. Tighten the wire and keep it taut. Run sections of lighter wire between the two support wires. These are called catch wires and help to train the vines. Plant the grapevines near the base of the support beams and run one vine along the support wires. Use the catch wires to hold the vine in place and to assist in training the vines to follow the trellis.

Resources

• Orchard Valley Supply for more information

[apalmer]

on 3/26/2009 I'll give this a try. Thanks for sharing it! 5*