How to Build a Bamboo Trellis

Give your flowers and seedlings a nice support system – learn how to make a simple bamboo trellis using bamboo from your local hardware store.

When the weather starts to get warm, your flowers and seedlings are going to take off and grow upwards. Some of those plants are going to be ok on their own..

But others will need our help – in the form of a support system.

You can easily make a bamboo trellis with twine and simple bamboo from your local hardware store. It’s so easy!

Our beautiful Arizona grape plants are growing like crazy right now ~ and with that new growth comes the need for a trellis to hold them as they shoot up with their long tendrils.

Likewise, our Morning Glory plants have taken off since the summer temps have wound down. They love the 80-90 degree days and have grown several inches this past week and a half. Because they will need a support system as they grow taller, I threw together this simple bamboo trellis that took me just minutes to put together in the front yard.

This bamboo trellis is relatively simple to put together and great for those plants that aren’t too heavy. Winter squash and bottleneck gourds might need something much more sturdy. But if you have vine-like, flowery plants that need a gentle support system then this is the best option.

Bamboo Trellis – Gather your Materials

This bamboo trellis requires just some simple bamboo poles and twine. Check your local Lowe’s or Home Depot (or garden center) fo bamboo poles in a variety of sizes to find something that works for you.

(This pack was just over $5 at our local Lowe’s hardware store).

Morning glory grows relatively quickly – up to 15 ft in one season. They form twining vines with bell-shaped flowers that open in the morning and then close shut as the day progresses. Not only do they thrive in poor soil, they grow quickly and fairly easily.

Because Morning Glory plants can grow so tall, they will need a relatively large trellis. Our bamboo poles were a meager 4 feet… though you can find larger lengths at your local Home Depot. Or, add more poles on with twine as needed over time.

Once you have your poles, start to build. Lay your poles about 6-8 inches apart on a grassy lawn. Arrange them out in a checkerboard pattern – you can do 5 high and 4 wide (or 5 and 5). Use a hacksaw to cut down any poles that need to be trimmed smaller.

Use your twine to tie each intersection of bamboo poles… taking care to wrap several times around before you knot.

You will be surprised at the strength of the trellis – even though it’s not as thick as other (more expensive) varieties you find at the hardware store.  It is quite strong and sturdy for flowering vines.

If you aren’t up for bamboo poles or can’t find them at your hardware store, sturdy branches are another option. They’d look very rustic and would be completely free.

 

Once you are done, all that is left is to place the bamboo trellis in your garden, gently push down into the dirt so that it stays put. Wind the plants through the trellis and let them grow out naturally.

More ideas for your home vegetable garden:

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• Water soluble calcium phosphate
• 7 Natural pest control methods
• 5 Herbs that are easy for kids to grow