DIY Spiral Pea Trellis: Space-Saving Support for Climbing Vegetables

DIY Spiral Pea Trellis: Space-Saving Support for Climbing Vegetables

Climbing crops like snow peas need support; a sinuous spiral trellis saves space, resists wind, and adds curves to the vegetable garden. Idea from Gary Nigro (Reno, NV), who worked with cattle fencing's natural tendency to coil.

Materials & Cost

• 7 poles, 5 ft long (fiberglass rebar, bamboo, or wood)
• 21 ft of 3-ft-wide, 2-inch-mesh plastic-coated fencing
• 21+ plastic-coated twist ties
• Soaker hose
• 1 packet snow pea seeds ('Oregon Giant')
• Cost: ~$25

Tools

Hammer/mallet, wire cutters

Directions

1. Set poles at ~3-ft intervals per diagram; pound 1 ft into ground.
2. Cut 21-ft fencing length.
3. Attach fencing to poles starting at center: secure top, middle, bottom with twist ties. Continue uncoiling to remaining poles (reposition last if needed).
4. Lay soaker hose: capped end at spiral center, continue around inside.
5. Plant seeds along outside of fencing per package directions.

Also supports bush cucumbers, bush squash, some nasturtiums, sweet peas.