How to Grow Fruit on a Trellis
Fruits take up less space if grown on trellises or arbors. And because they take up less space, you can grow more plants (and produce more fruit) in your garden. Many gardeners also find it's easier to spot pests on trellised fruits; foliage and fruit are closer to eye level, making problems more obvious. It can also be easier to harvest fruits grown on a trellis; there's no stooping or climbing involved. And by using a few simple techniques, you can even train what would ordinarily be a large fruit tree to fit into a small space alongside your house, fence or large trellis. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose the location of your trellises carefully. The north side of your yard is usually best, because trellises won't cast shade on other plants.
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Select the right trellis. A small (5-by-3-foot) metal trellis may work well for some fruits, but will be much too small for others. Carefully consider how big the fruit plant will be upon maturing, and select your trellis accordingly.
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Sink trellis legs at least 24 inches into the soil. This will prevent their tumbling over when a strong gust of wind hits them.
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Choose the right fruit. Vining tomatoes (not bush tomatoes) grow great on a trellis, as do melons, grapes and kiwi. Even traditional trees, such as apple, peach and pear, can be trained along a trellis. This is called "espalier." However, no fruit larger than a volleyball should be grown on a trellis.
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Plant the fruit beneath the trellis, in the center. Most fruits will overtake a single trellis within the season, so don't set more than one plant on a single trellis.
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Train the vines, if necessary, in and out of the trellis lattice or bars. Trees will require espalier training: Simply prune to create a single vertical stem, then attach this stem to the trellis (or a wall covered with wire netting) with twine. Then train side branches to any shape you desire, also attaching them to the trellis with twine.
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Tips & Warnings
There's no need to add support beyond a trellis. The vines will easily support any fruit that's produced.
For espalier, expect at least two years for the tree to become established in the shape you desire. After this time, maintain the shape with light pruning.
