How to Make A-Frame Bean Trellises
A simple A-frame trellis offers an ideal growing situation for pole beans, peas or tomatoes. The trellis elevates the foliage and vegetables off the ground allowing better air movement and greater penetration of sunlight to the plant. The trellis also increases the number of plants the gardener can cultivate in a small garden space. The project requires standard dimensional lumber, mesh wire and common tools to construct. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 1-by-4-inch lumber, 6 feet long, four
- 1-by-4-inch lumber, 3 feet long, four
- 1-inch mesh wire, 3 feet wide by 11 feet long
- 1 1/2-inch deck screws, 16
- Saw
- Screwdriver
- Staple gun
- 1/2-inch staples
- 2-inch flat hinges, 2
- 1-inch screws
Instructions
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1
Cut the wood components. Cut four 1-by-4-inch boards to 6 feet long. Cut an angle at one end of each board to create a 6-inch point used to insert the board into the ground. Cut four 1-by-4-inch boards to 36 inches long.
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2
Lay out two separate frames. Each frame has the two 6-foot long pieces parallel to each other with the pointed ends at the same ends. Place the 36-inch boards across the two long pieces as cross members. Fasten the cross members across the top or square ends of the long pieces using two 1 1/2-inch deck screws at each board. Connect the other cross member between the long pieces at the top edge of the angle cut. At this point, the frame forms a large rectangle with the angled points extending beyond the rectangle.
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3
Attach a 3-foot wide by 5 1/2-foot long segment of 1-inch or larger mesh wire to each frame. Use a staple gun with 1/2-inch staples to attach the wire to the frames.
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4
Lay the two frame segments end to end with the two pointed ends facing out from the center. Attach the two frame segments together with two 2-inch flat hinges held in place with 1-inch screws.
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5
Set up the A-frame trellis by folding the frame with the hinged end up. Stick the pointed end of each frame segment into the ground to hold the frame in place.
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Tips & Warnings
Fold the A-frame trellis flat for off-season storage. Use treated lumber for a longer lasting trellis or rebuild with fresh materials every few years. Paint the trellis to improve the looks of the trellis and extend its life.
