How to Make a Trellis Out of Junk
Known for their inventive self-reliance, gardeners often make their own equipment and innovate commercial products to better adapt them to their specific needs. Gardeners can make a trellis from junk to save money and also reduce their impact on the environment. If you do not have junk of your own to re-use, look at salvage yards and recycling centers or ask friends and neighbors. The opportunities for transforming trash into treasure are endless when you start thinking creatively. Transform anything from a discarded gate to box springs into an effective and distinctive garden trellis. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Eye protection
- Old metal headboard
- Wire brush
- Steel wool
- Paintbrush
- Metal primer
- Nontoxic metal paint
Instructions
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1
Brush the entire headboard with a wire brush to remove any old finish and other debris. Make sure the headboard is free of any loose particles.
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2
Rub the headboard vigorously with steel wool to create a smooth surface for a new paint application.
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3
Paint the headboard with a metal primer. Allow the primer to dry according to the directions on the can.
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4
Paint the headboard with a finish coat of nontoxic paint.
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Allow the finish to dry completely before burying the legs into the ground in the selected area for the trellis.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Select an old discarded cast iron, brass or other metal headboard. The legs can be buried for the supports, and the plants can grow along the intricate metal scroll work.
Apply a clear finish to allow the character of the old headboard to be seen while preserving it from the weather.
Wear eye protection when using a wire brush and steel wool.
Apply primer and paint in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the paint you select is nontoxic for the trellis since living things will grow on it and it will be in your garden.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
