Trellis Vegetables: Small garden space, abundant harvest

Last Updated on: 10th February 2025, 04:39 pm

Learn why growing vertically is a great idea.

Have you ever heard of trellis vegetables? It’s a terrific way for gardeners with limited space to enjoy maximum output of veggies. Imagine those long vines that take up so much of the garden’s footprint neatly trained to grow taller instead of wider.

Boom! Growing vertically makes small spaces their most productive. All it takes is a simple trellis and some know-how.

Your vegetables and many herbs are natural climbers. By the end of this post, you will know the benefits of vertical gardens, how to get started, the best species to try, and have plenty of trellis tips and tricks.

Benefits of Vertical Gardening

If you’re working with limited space, vertical gardening can be a game-changer. By training vining plants to grow upward instead of sprawling across the ground, you can make the most of every inch. Whether you’re growing in raised beds, traditional garden plots, or even patio containers, vertical gardening allows for better space management and higher productivity. Here’s why growing vegetables vertically is such a smart move:

Saves Space and Increases Yields

Whether you’re working with a small backyard, raised beds, or even patio containers, guiding plants up a trellis allows you to grow more in less space. You can stack your garden upward instead of letting vines sprawl across the ground. This is particularly beneficial for urban gardeners who may have only a balcony or small yard to work with.

Improves Air Circulation

Keeping plants off the soil allows for better airflow, reducing problems like powdery mildew, mold, soil-borne diseases, and slug damage. Improved circulation means fewer fungal diseases and healthier plants, reducing the need for chemical treatments. Good airflow also means that leaves and debris dry faster after rain, lowering the risk of rot and other moisture-related problems.

Reduces Soil Erosion

Vertical gardening minimizes the need for large, unprotected patches of soil, helping prevent runoff and soil degradation. When plants are trained to grow upward, their roots hold the soil together more effectively, preserving nutrients and moisture levels. This is particularly useful for sloped gardens, where erosion can be present a particular challenge.

Easier Harvesting

No more bending over or rummaging through dense foliage to find ripening veggies. When plants grow upward, produce is easier to see and pick. This makes harvesting less labor-intensive and reduces the risk of accidentally stepping on delicate vines or missing ripe vegetables hidden in tangled foliage. It’s a back-saver, especially for those with mobility issues.

Adds Beauty to the Garden

A trellis covered in greenery and colorful produce isn’t just practical—it’s an eye-catching feature that adds charm to any space. Vertical structures like arches, obelisks, and trellises can transform a simple garden into a lush, visually appealing retreat. You can even create privacy screens or shade areas by strategically placing climbing plants on pergolas or fences.

Supports a Wide Variety of Plants

Many vegetable plants naturally climb when given the right structure, from beans to cucumbers to melons. Additionally, vertical gardening makes mixing flowers and vegetables possible, adding aesthetic appeal and biodiversity to your garden. Climbing edible plants can be paired with companion flowers to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, enhancing overall plant health and productivity.

Vertical gardening is a simple yet powerful method for making the most of your growing space. With the right setup, you’ll enjoy higher yields, healthier plants, and a more visually appealing garden.

Getting Started with Trellis Gardening

Here are the steps you can take when you’re ready to transform your garden space with trellises.

Choose a Sturdy Trellis for Climbing Vegetables

The choice of trellis material is essential. Wooden A-frames, metal grids, bamboo teepees, or repurposed fencing materials all work well. Ensure the trellis is robust and capable of supporting the full-grown weight of your plants. For heavy climbers like melons and gourds, opt for a stronger structure like cattle panels or metal grids.

Pick the Perfect Spot

Most climbing vegetables require full sunshine🌞, so position your trellis in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. The soil should be well-drained and rich in nutrients. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.

If you’re gardening in containers, use a high-quality potting mix to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability. It is an investment that’s worth a few extra dollars.

We have also seen a good handful of clients who have mistakenly planted gardens far too far away from a water source. Some have had to lug water by the five-gallon bucket, which is not very much fun on a hot August day. Be aware of water availability.

Match Plants to the Right Trellis Type

Different vegetables have varying climbing habits and support needs. For instance, peas and beans have natural twining abilities and can grip thin supports like strings or mesh.

Tomatoes, especially indeterminate varieties, need sturdier supports and may require additional tying. Melons and gourds, due to their heavier fruits, need strong trellises and slings to support the weight and prevent breakage.

Train Plants Early

Encourage plants to climb by gently guiding their tendrils or stems onto the trellis as they grow. This early training helps them establish a strong climbing pattern and ensures they don’t sprawl on the ground. Regularly check and adjust their position to keep them on track.

Top Trellis Vegetables

Certain vegetables excel in vertical gardening due to their climbing nature as long as you find a spot or them in the full sun. Here are some top choices:

Pole Beans & Runner Beans

These vigorous climbers grow rapidly and produce bountiful harvests. Unlike bush beans, which are shy about climbing, they twine naturally around any available support. (Keep the bush varieties in your garden rows!)

Malabar Spinach

This heat-loving green thrives on a trellis, providing nutritious leaves throughout the summer.

Indeterminate Tomato Plants

Unlike determinate varieties, indeterminate tomatoes keep growing and producing fruits all season long. Growing tomatoes requires sturdy supports to manage their height and developing fruit as they keep growing until the first frost.

Cucumbers

Growing cucumbers vertically prevents them from turning yellow, increases airflow around the plants, and reduces disease risk. It also makes harvesting easier. Try to find Armenian cucumbers for the best results.

Snap Peas & Shelling Peas

These early spring climbers are perfect for vertical gardening. They climb easily and produce delicious, tender peas.

Growing Melons & Edible Gourds

With strong support, even heavier crops like melons can be trained to climb. Use slings or netting to support larger fruits and prevent breakage.

Summer Squash & Zucchini

While not natural climbers, these can be trained to grow vertically, saving ground space and reducing rot. Provide additional ties to secure the plants to the trellis. Once you feel confident, you can also try adding butternut squash to the lineup.

After you’ve mastered these options, try some other plants! Use some creativity and have fun with your gardening efforts.

Climbing Vegetable Garden Trellis Ideas

Your trellis can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some creative ideas to consider before you buy trellises:

Teepee Trellises

These wooden trellises are made by tying three or more wooden stakes or poles together at the top, similar to tomato cages. Teepee trellises are great for beans and peas. The vining vegetables create a charming, rustic look in the garden.

Raised Beds with an A-frame Trellis

Integrate trellises into the back of raised garden beds to maximize space and keep climbing plants organized. This setup also makes harvesting easier.

Obelisks & Arched Trellises

These structures provide sturdy support and add a beautiful focal point to your garden. They are perfect for climbing flowers, tomatoes, and cucumber plants.

DIY Chicken Wire Frames

A budget-friendly option, chicken wire frames are ideal for lightweight climbers like peas. Create a simple frame and attach chicken wire for plants to climb.

Cattle Panels & Fence Trellises

These types of trellises are perfect for larger climbing fruits like gourds and melons. Cattle panels are wire fencing. They are strong and durable, providing excellent support for heavy climbers.

Tips for a Successful Vertical Garden

Now that you’re ready to get started, here are some tips to help you achieve early success.

Plant Multiple Varieties: Growing different climbing plants together maximizes your harvest and efficiently uses space. For example, plant beans and peas on the same trellis to stagger their harvest times.
Harvest Regularly: Frequent harvesting encourages plants to keep producing. It also prevents overripe produce from attracting pests or causing plant stress.
Use Strong Supports: A sagging or collapsing trellis can damage plants and reduce yield. Ensure your trellis is secure, especially for heavy climbers. Try small to medium plastic zip ties to and sturdy vertical supports.
Support Plants with Twine or Clips: Some plants, like tomatoes and melons, may need extra help staying upright. Use twine, clips, or plant ties to secure them to the trellis and prevent damage.
Mulch Around the Base: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or compost are excellent choices.
Prune and Maintain: Regularly prune your climbing plants to remove dead or diseased leaves, encourage airflow, and maintain their shape. This helps prevent disease and promotes healthy growth. Use fruit hanging baskets for visual interest and to make harvesting your crops even easier.

A Trellis Can Provide Support and Help You Grow in a Small Garden Space

Vertical gardening is an efficient and visually appealing way to grow an abundant harvest. By utilizing vertical space, you can make the most of any garden area that receives full sunlight, whether it’s a backyard plot, raised bed, or balcony container garden.

With the right trellis, careful plant selection, and a little know-how, you can transform your garden into a thriving vertical oasis.🌱Why not give it a try?

Are you interested with help to bring your garden beds back to life? Call or text Tayloe’s Lawn Care, Aulander, NC, at 252.287.3376. We’ll be happy to provide you with a no-pressure estimate for your project.

Author Profile

Deborah Tayloe

Deborah Tayloe is the CEO and co-founder of Tayloe's Lawn Care Services, LLC. She has a B.S.Ed and holds certificates in soil and water management and herbology from accredited programs.