How to Make a Grapevine Arbor or Trellis
Arbors and trellises are supportive structures for vining, climbing and spreading bushes, plants and trees. Make a beautiful grapevine arbor or trellis in a weekend using simple, inexpensive, easy-to-find materials and tools. Then plant some grapevines and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Posthole digger
- Quick-setting concrete
- 4 large plastic utility buckets, 2 feet deep and 12 to 18 inches in diameter
- 2 lbs. gravel
- Galvanized steel wire
- Heavy-duty metal wire cutters
- 12 large screw eyes
- 4 pieces of 4-by-4 inch pressure-treated lumber, 8 feet long
- Power drill and drill bit
Instructions
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1
Mark four spots for your postholes that are equal distances apart. Make the holes four feet apart if you're planting the grapevines close together for weekly tending; otherwise, further apart is better.
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2
Dig the four holes with a manual or power posthole digger. Make each hole a bit larger than 24 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.
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3
Put 1/2 lb. of gravel in the bottom of each hole. Place a utility bucket in each hole on top of the gravel.
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4
Mix the quick-setting concrete one bucket at a time. Set a 4-by-4-inch post into a bucket, check that it's standing straight, then fill the bucket with concrete. Prop up the posts with spare lumber to ensure the posts don't lean while the concrete hardens. Let the concrete cure for a day.
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Drill three evenly spaced holes in the front of each 4-by-4-inch post. Screw the screw eyes into the holes. String galvanized steel wire through the top row of screw eyes, then the second row and then the third row, using the wire cutters to cut lengths of wire. Twist any sharp wire ends into the wood to avoid cuts while tending vines or harvesting fruit.
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Plant grapevine plants at evenly spaced intervals along the new arbor, fastening the strongest stems and vines to the wires with garden twist ties or old rags or pantyhose cut into strips. Leave the ground underneath and in front of the arbor/trellis planted as sod if desired, dig or till up before planting, or cover with a thick layer of decorative landscaping mulch or gravel.
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Tips & Warnings
Let the 4-by-4 inch posts weather without any paint or stain to a natural gray green, or paint with weatherproof deck paint in white or a color.
Decorate the posts with garden accessories like flags, rain gauges, garden thermometers, weather vanes or even birdhouses.
Put a lawn chair and side table in front of the arbor/trellis to enjoy the view.
Before you start digging, dial 811, the "Call Before You Dig" number. Someone will come out and mark the location of your underground utilities, free of charge. Don't chance cutting into gas, electric or water lines when a simple phone call can ensure everyone's safety.
Check with your local government to make sure a permit isn't required for your project.
