Training Plants to Climb a Trellis/Stake
Types of Trellises/Stakes:
Pergola Trellis - These are typically made out of wood and are square-shaped, providing shade to the area underneath it. They look pretty but are large and expensive, ranging in the thousands of dollars. Pergolas can support plants such as flowers, vines, vegetables, and fruits.
Arch Trellis - These are similar to pergola trellises but can be made of metal and are thinner. They cost less and can be put around pots or raised beds. Because they are larger, they can support heavier fruits and vegetables such as gourds and grapes.
Cages - This is a cheap and easy way to grow nightshade plants, such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Firmly plant the cage around the plant when it is a baby, and let it grow. When it starts to fruit or grow vines, direct them to the cage supports to allow them to be supported.
DIY - You can create your own trellises or stakes using wooden poles, twine, or chicken wire. These allow you to customize them to the needs of your plants.
Tips For Using Trellises
Start Early
When plants are young, it is easier to mold and get them used to growing vertically. Older, more developed plants are harder to attach to a post as you risk breaking off the brittle stem. You should prune and adjust the plant when needed to make sure it's growing right.
Make sure you have good conditions
To keep a healthy plant, make sure there is enough sunlight and the trellis is big enough to support its increasing size. Ensure that the trellis is firmly placed in the ground to ensure it doesn’t fall over in extreme weather cases.
Tying Vines
When the plant sprouts vines, tie them to the trellis using soft strings. This guides the plant to stick to the stake.
References: Unsplash, HappySprout, the spruce, al’s garden home