How to Support Plants on a Trellis

A trellis is a vertical frame with places for a vine to grab onto and grow upward. It is an ideal addition to any garden, as it can support beautiful vines and climbing flowers, as well as add a stylish, personalized appeal to the landscape. A trellis comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, and can support a wide variety of flowers and plants.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Trellis
• Plants

1. Make sure the trellis is in a location where the plants will get adequate sunlight, and where they can be watered easily.

2. Place the trellis right behind the plants you want to grow up the trellis. It needs to be secured to something (even two posts in the ground) or propped up against a wall or fence. It can be slanted or straight vertical.

3. Place the plants that are growing up against the front of the trellis. As they begin to grow, carefully take the vines and branches and wind them up along the trellis, in and out of holes and around edges. Some have hooks secured to certain parts of the trellis, in order to secure plants more easily.

4. Continue to work the vines so that they begin to automatically attach themselves to the trellis. Make sure to look over it about once a week to see if you need to readjust. Be careful when mowing so you do not cut off the bottom of the plant or vine.

5. Continue weaving the plant as it grows, expanding the branches outward and up. You may have to add to the trellis as the plants get larger.

Tips & Warnings

• Some plants suited for growth on a trellis include: clematis, moonflower, sweet pea, Virginia creeper, kiwi vine and bougainvillea.

References

• Growing Plants on a Trellis
• Trellis Tips
• Ideal Plants to Grow On A Trellis