DIY Greenhouse Trellis Designs: Maximize Vertical Space for Vining Crops

Add Support for Your Greenhouse Plants with a DIY Trellis

Installing a trellis in your greenhouse provides necessary support for vining plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, and melons. With proper support, these plants will grow vertically, taking up less floor space while producing higher yields. A well-designed greenhouse trellis also improves air circulation and light exposure.

Benefits of Adding a Trellis in Your Greenhouse

There are many advantages to installing a vertical growing structure in your greenhouse:

• Supports climbing crops like tomatoes, allowing them to grow upwards instead of spreading on the ground
• Promotes airflow and light penetration for improved plant health
• Maximizes production in a small footprint by using vertical space
• Prevents disease and rot by keeping fruit and foliage off the soil
• Makes harvesting easier without low-hanging vines entangled on the ground
• Provides a structure for training and pruning plants

Considerations for DIY Greenhouse Trellises

When deciding on a trellis system, here are some key considerations:

• Material - Pick rot-resistant wood, plastic pipes, or metal poles. Consider weight, durability, and cost.
• Size - Scale it to fit your greenhouse height and layout. Account for plant dimensions at maturity.
• Spacing - Allow a minimum 12-16 inches between trellised plants. More space reduces disease risk.
• Location - Position the structure near the greenhouse walls or walkways for easy access.
• Crop Support - Include horizontal cross beams, mesh, strings, or cages to support vines as they grow.

DIY Greenhouse Trellis Designs and Instructions

With basic construction skills and affordable materials, you can create a customized trellis perfect for your greenhouse set-up and choice of crops. Here are some options to consider:

1. T-Post Trellis

This simple trellis uses T-posts pounded into the greenhouse floor as vertical supports. Horizontal bamboo poles or PVC pipes rest in notches cut into the posts to create ledges for plants to climb on.

• Low cost T-post and pole construction
• Easy to set ledges at any height for shorter and taller crops
• Adapt bamboo pole spacing as needed

2. Wood A-Frame Trellis

An A-frame trellis offers ample vertical growth space in a slim footprint. Use rot-resistant 4x4 posts with 2x4 cross beams. For durability, bury posts 1-2 feet into the ground.

• Creates tower shape to maximize vertical space
• Wood construction blends into greenhouse aesthetic
• Allows easy access for harvest without removing structure

3. PVC Pipe Pyramid

Lightweight PVC pipes connect with angled joints to form a tall pyramid shape. String or mesh wraps around the frame to support climbing vegetation.

• Lightweight PVC material easy to configure
• Angled legs provide superb stability
• Use mesh, strings, or cages around frame for optimal plant support

Caring for Plants on DIY Greenhouse Trellises

Installing a well-designed trellis sets your crops up for success. Here are some tips for caring for greenhouse plants grown on trellises:

• Pruning & Training - Gently tie vines to trellis supports. Prune excess foliage for air circulation.
• Watering & Fertilizing - Soil may dry out faster on vertical structures. Check soil moisture regularly.
• Pest Management - Inspect for pests which can spread quickly. Spray trellised foliage evenly.
• Harvesting - Pick ripe fruit promptly to avoid overripening and falling vines.

With the proper trellising system and care regimen, your greenhouse plants can thrive and produce impressive yields. The vertical growing space also lends itself perfectly to maximizing production in small hobby greenhouses.

What trellis design will you incorporate in your greenhouse garden? Let your creativity and intended crops guide you as you support your vining greenhouse plants this season.

FAQs

What type of crops can be grown on a greenhouse trellis?

Greenhouse trellises are ideal for supporting vining crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, pole beans, peas, melons, and squash. The vertical structure helps these plants grow upwards instead of spreading along the ground.

Should I incorporate mesh, strings, or cages into my trellis?

Yes, it is important to include materials such as mesh, string, or tomato cages around the trellis frame to support plants as they grow taller. This prevents breakage and keeps fruits and foliage suspended off the soil.

How tall should a greenhouse trellis be?

Construct the trellis at least 6-8 feet tall to accommodate the expected mature height of the crops you want to grow. Training vines along a tall, sturdy trellis prevents disease and allows easier access for pruning and harvest.

What types of materials work best for DIY greenhouse trellises?

Good options are rot-resistant wood posts and beams, PVC pipes, metal poles, T-posts, bamboo poles, nylon mesh, and durable twine or garden ties. Choose materials that will withstand humidity and last at least a few growing seasons.

Should I incorporate a trellis into my greenhouse floor plan from the start?

It is smart to plan a trellis into your greenhouse layout right away. This allows proper spacing and positioning relative to planting beds, walkways, lighting, and ventilation. Installing a trellis later may limit ideal placement.