Build a garden trellis in 3 easy steps

Step 1: Take measure

Select a flat, level location in full sun (if you plan to grow tomatoes) and clear out any debris. Measure the length and width to suit your particular space (ours is 8 feet by 3 feet), then mark the four corners with gypsum or other powder.

Our trellis required a third vertical post, so we marked the midpoint on each long side with more dots of powder. You will now have the outline of your trellis and the points where the posts will go.

Note: You can change the size of the trellis to suit your needs, but be sure to have your lumber cut accordingly.

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Step 2: Hammer and shape

Loosen the soil where the dots are marked with a sharp shovel to a depth of 1 foot for each of the six posts. Using a mallet — or even a large rock — pound the vertical posts into the ground.

Measure 1 foot down from the top of each vertical post, and then tie the opposite sides together to make three teepee shapes.

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Step 3: Tie it together

With strong twine and sturdy knots, tie the horizontal rails at 2-foot intervals on each side of the vertical posts. Snuggle the remaining horizontal post into the crossed pieces at the top of the trellis, and secure the structure. (We added screw-on wooden finials for a final flourish.)

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Done: Ready for plants

Simple, natural and ready to plant, your new cedar trellis will age soon to a nice silvery gray. We planted six varieties of tomatoes on each trellis, training them up as they grew. In the fall, either cut the strings and take down the posts or leave the trellis as-is over the winter for a decorative accent, planting with sweet peas in early spring.

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