With trellis and plant support prices climbing in Georgia, DIY options have never been more appealing. I’ve experimented with a few simple projects that are easy on the wallet and still look great in the garden.
Even basic materials can be transformed into sturdy supports for your climbing plants. It’s amazing how a little creativity can save money and add charm to your yard.
Let’s make building your garden supports both fun and budget-friendly!
1. Bamboo Teepees
Bamboo grows abundantly across Georgia, making it a perfect free resource for garden supports. Gather several stalks and tie them together at the top with twine to create sturdy teepees for climbing vegetables.
These natural structures blend beautifully with garden landscapes while providing excellent support for beans, peas, and cucumbers. Many Georgia gardeners find bamboo lasts several seasons when properly dried before use.
2. Repurposed Bed Springs
Old metal bed springs offer surprisingly effective support for climbing plants. Stand them upright against a wall or fence, or create freestanding supports by attaching them to wooden posts hammered into the ground.
The coiled metal provides countless attachment points for tendrils and vines. Around Atlanta, creative gardeners spray paint these rusty treasures for added charm and weather protection in their vegetable patches.
3. Fallen Branch Lattice
After Georgia’s frequent summer storms, fallen branches become free building materials. Collect straight sections about 3-4 feet long and create a simple lattice by overlapping them in a grid pattern, securing intersections with garden twine.
This rustic support works wonderfully for lighter vines like morning glories or clematis. The natural wood adds organic charm to your garden while providing functionality without spending a dime.
4. Concrete Reinforcement Mesh
Hardware stores across Georgia sell concrete reinforcement mesh that makes perfect trellises when bent into arches or attached to posts. Cut it to size with wire cutters and shape it to fit your garden needs.
The galvanized coating prevents rust, ensuring years of use despite Georgia’s humid climate. Many gardeners around Savannah find this option particularly useful for heavy-fruiting plants like tomatoes and melons.
5. Cattle Panel Arches
Livestock panels from farm supply stores create magnificent garden arches when bent between raised beds. These sturdy galvanized panels support heavy vines and create charming walkways between garden sections.
Though initially more expensive than some options, their durability makes them cost-effective long-term investments. Georgia farmers near Athens have used these panels for decades, proving their worth through countless growing seasons.
6. Recycled Pallet Structures
Free wooden pallets from local businesses transform into vertical growing spaces with minimal effort. Stand them upright, secure them to posts, and you’ve got instant garden support for climbing vegetables.
The spaces between slats provide perfect openings for plant tendrils to grab. Throughout Georgia’s coastal communities, gardeners weatherproof these structures with non-toxic sealants to extend their lifespan in the salty air.
7. Twine Grid Systems
A simple frame of wooden stakes with twine strung between them creates an effective and incredibly affordable trellis. Drive stakes into the ground around plants, then weave twine horizontally and vertically to form a grid.
This method works beautifully for lighter climbers like peas and ornamental vines. Gardeners in Georgia’s mountain regions particularly favor this approach for its ability to withstand unpredictable weather patterns.
8. Bicycle Wheel Supports
Old bicycle wheels make whimsical and functional garden supports when mounted on posts or attached to fences. The spokes provide perfect climbing points for vines, while the circular shape creates visual interest.
Check Georgia’s bicycle repair shops for donated wheels they can’t use. Many gardeners in creative communities like Decatur paint these wheel trellises in bright colors to serve as garden focal points while supporting climbing plants.
9. Rope Ladders
Simple rope ladders hung from trees or pergolas offer flexible support for climbing vegetables. Create them by tying horizontal pieces of wood or bamboo between two lengths of sturdy rope.
These lightweight supports can be moved as needed throughout the growing season. Georgia gardeners dealing with partial shade often use this method to maximize sunlight exposure in their Augusta vegetable patches as the sun’s position changes.
10. Chicken Wire Cylinders
Chicken wire formed into cylinders creates perfect supports for plants that need all-around climbing space. Simply cut lengths of wire, form circles, and secure the edges with wire ties.
These cylinders work wonderfully for tomatoes and other bushy climbers. Georgia gardeners in suburban Macon neighborhoods appreciate how these compact supports maximize growing space in smaller yards while keeping plants contained.
11. Reclaimed Window Frames
Old wooden window frames from renovation projects become charming garden supports when the glass is removed. Lean them against walls or install them with posts to create architectural interest while supporting climbing plants.
These frames add vintage character to garden spaces. Throughout Georgia’s historic districts in Savannah and Columbus, gardeners incorporate these architectural salvage pieces as both functional supports and nods to the region’s rich architectural heritage.