DIY Trellis Ideas : 8 Simple Methods for Supporting Peas

Peas are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in your own garden. But how do you support them as they grow? Peas are climbing plants that need something to cling to as they reach for the sun. In this article, we will show you 8 easy ways to DIY a pea trellis using materials you may already have at home or can easily find at a local store.

How do peas grow?

Peas are annual plants that grow in cool weather. They have tendrils that wrap around any support they can find. Peas can grow up to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety. There are four main types of peas:

• Shell peas are the classic green peas that you shell out of the pod before eating.

• Snow peas are flat pods that you eat whole, usually in stir-fries or salads.

• Snap peas are crunchy pods that you also eat whole, but they have sweeter and plumper peas inside.

• Sweet peas are ornamental flowers that have a lovely fragrance but are not edible.

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Why you need to trellis peas

Trellising peas has many benefits for both you and your plants. Here are some reasons why you should trellis your peas:

• Trellising saves garden space by allowing you to grow peas vertically instead of horizontally.

• Trellising improves air circulation and sun exposure for your plants, which helps prevent diseases and pests.

• Trellising makes harvesting easier and more enjoyable, as you don’t have to bend down or search for the pods among the foliage.

• Trellising adds beauty and interest to your garden, as you can create different shapes and structures with your pea plants.

8 easy ways to DIY a pea trellis

Now that you know why you should trellis your peas, let’s look at some easy and creative ways to do it. You can use any of these methods for any type of peas, but some may work better for certain varieties than others. Here are 7 DIY pea trellis ideas:

1. Nylon netting:

This is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to trellis peas. All you need is some nylon netting (or chicken wire) and some stakes or poles to attach it to. You can make the netting as long or as short as you want, depending on how many peas you are growing. Simply stretch the netting between the stakes and secure it with ties or staples. Then, plant your peas along the base of the netting and watch them climb up. Click here for watch video How to do Netting for your Garden on a Budget.

2. Bamboo posts and twine:

This is another easy and inexpensive way to trellis peas. You will need some bamboo posts (or wooden dowels) and some twine (or string). You can make the posts as tall or as short as you want, depending on how high you want your trellis to be. Then, tie the twine horizontally between the posts at regular intervals, creating a ladder-like structure. Plant your peas along the base of the posts and let them climb up the twine.

3. Posts and netting:

This is a variation of the nylon netting method but with more stability and durability. You will need some sturdy posts (such as metal or wood) and some netting (such as wire mesh or plastic mesh). You can make the posts as tall or as short as you want, depending on how high you want your trellis to be. Then, attach the netting to the posts with nails or screws, creating a fence-like structure. Plant your peas along the base of the netting and let them climb up.

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4. Posts and wire mesh panels:

This is another variation of the posts and netting method but with more rigidity and style. You will need some posts (such as metal or wood) and some wire mesh panels (such as cattle panels or welded wire panels). You can make the posts as tall or as short as you want, depending on how high you want your trellis to be. Then, attach the panels to the posts with nails or screws, creating a grid-like structure. Plant your peas along the base of the panels and let them climb up.

5. Garden arch or tunnel:

This is a more elaborate and decorative way to trellis peas. You will need a garden arch or tunnel (such as metal or wood) and some netting or twine to cover it. You can buy a ready-made arch or tunnel, or make your own with some curved posts and connectors. Then, cover the arch or tunnel with netting or twine, creating a canopy-like structure. Plant your peas along the base of the arch or tunnel and let them climb up and over it.

6. Twig or branch trellis:

This is a more natural and rustic way to trellis peas. You will need some twigs or branches (such as willow or birch) and some twine or wire to bind them together. You can make the twigs or branches as long or as short as you want, depending on how high you want your trellis to be. Then, arrange the twigs or branches in a fan-like or teepee-like shape and tie them together at the top. Plant your peas along the base of the twigs or branches and let them climb up.

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7. A-frame trellis:

This is a more sturdy and space-saving way to trellis peas. You will need some posts (such as metal or wood) and some netting or panels to cover them. You can make the posts as tall or as short as you want, depending on how high you want your trellis to be. Then, arrange the posts in an A-shape and attach the netting or panels to them, creating a triangular structure. Plant your peas along the base of the A-frame and let them climb up both sides of it.

8. Recycled trellis:

This is a more creative and eco-friendly way to trellis peas. You can use any old or unused items that have holes or gaps in them, such as ladders, fences, gates, window frames, bed frames, etc. You can paint or decorate them as you wish, or leave them as they are. Then, place them in your garden plant your peas along the base of them, and let them climb up through the holes or gaps.

These are just some of the many ways you can DIY a pea trellis for your garden. You can experiment with different materials, shapes, and sizes to suit your needs and preferences. Trellising peas is not only practical but also fun and rewarding. You will enjoy watching your peas grow and flourish, and you will love harvesting and eating them. Happy gardening!