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Trellises in Permaculture Gardening: A Sustainable Approach to Maximizing Space and Yield

  • Writer: Ofer Chertkoff
    Ofer Chertkoff
  • Apr 26, 2024
  • 5 min read

Every beginner or advanced vegetable grower likes to have basic order and control in his garden, something that is not necessarily always easy to achieve, especially during the summer when the vegetables thrive.

Trellises not only enable gardeners to optimize space but also foster healthier plant growth, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to overall ecosystem resilience.




What are Trellises??


Trellises are simple structures consisting of vertical posts or supports with horizontal elements, such as wires, strings, used to support climbing plants. In permaculture, these structures serve multiple purposes, embodying principles of efficiency and synergy within the garden ecosystem.



Space optimization and vertical gardening


One of the primary advantages of trellises is their ability to maximize vertical space. In permaculture, where small-scale, intensive gardening is often favored, trellises allow gardeners to cultivate more plants in limited areas. By training plants to grow upwards rather than sprawling across the ground, trellises facilitate efficient use of space, enabling gardeners to grow a diverse array of crops even in confined urban settings.



Enhanced plant health and productivity


Trellises promote healthier plant growth by providing support and stability for climbing plants. When allowed to climb, plants receive better airflow and sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting photosynthesis. Additionally, trellised plants tend to produce higher yields since vertical growth allows for better utilization of resources such as water and nutrients, resulting in more robust and productive harvests.



Biodiversity and habitat creation


In permaculture gardens, trellises play a crucial role in fostering biodiversity by creating diverse micro-habitats for beneficial insects and other wildlife. Climbing plants trained on trellises provide shelter, food, and nesting sites for pollinators, predators, and other organisms essential for maintaining ecological balance. By integrating trellises into garden designs, permaculture practitioners can enhance biodiversity while simultaneously increasing the resilience of their ecosystems.



Sustainable resource management


Trellises align with the principles of sustainability by minimizing resource inputs and maximizing outputs. Compared to traditional gardening methods that require extensive tillage and irrigation, trellis-based cultivation conserves water, reduces soil erosion, and minimizes the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, trellises can be constructed from locally sourced, renewable materials, further reducing their environmental footprint.



Excellent example of a vegetable that benefits greatly from trellising


The humble tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Tomatoes are vining plants that naturally grow upwards given the opportunity. However, when left to sprawl on the ground, they are prone to diseases, pests, and fruit rot due to poor airflow and soil contact.


By utilizing a trellis system, gardeners can effectively support tomato plants as they grow vertically, reaping several benefits:

  1. Space Efficiency: Tomatoes can occupy a significant amount of space if allowed to sprawl on the ground. By training them to grow vertically on trellises, gardeners can maximize their garden's square footage, leaving room for other crops or additional plantings.

  2. Improved Air Circulation: Proper airflow around tomato plants is crucial for preventing fungal diseases, such as blight and powdery mildew. When trellised, tomato vines are better spaced out, allowing air to circulate freely around the foliage and reducing the risk of disease.

  3. Easier Harvesting: Trellised tomatoes are easier to harvest since the fruit hangs down within easy reach. This eliminates the need to bend over or search through dense foliage, making harvesting more efficient and enjoyable.

  4. Cleaner Fruits: Keeping tomatoes off the ground via trellising helps prevent fruit rot and soil-borne diseases. Cleaner fruits are less susceptible to damage and are more visually appealing, making them more marketable and enjoyable for consumption.

  5. Optimized Sunlight Exposure: Vertical growth on trellises allows tomato plants to receive more uniform sunlight exposure throughout the day, promoting even ripening of fruits and enhancing overall plant productivity.


Do not forget, Tomato plants tend to be very heavy and can break easily under the heavy tomato weight so make strong structures to support them. 



examples of different trellis structures commonly used in gardening


A-Frame Trellis: 

  • Description: This trellis consists of two angled sides that meet at the top, forming an "A" shape. It provides support for climbing plants while allowing easy access to both sides for maintenance and harvesting.

  • Materials: Wood, bamboo, or metal poles arranged in an A-frame configuration.

  • Usage: Ideal for smaller garden spaces or container gardens. Suitable for supporting vine crops like cucumbers, beans, or small melons.

Teepee Trellis:

  • Description: A teepee trellis resembles a teepee or cone-shaped tent, with multiple poles tied together at the top and splayed out at the base. Plants grow up the sides of the teepee.

  • Materials: Bamboo poles, wooden stakes, or metal rods tied together at the top.

  • Usage: Often used for supporting beans, peas, or flowering vines like morning glories. Provides a visually appealing focal point in the garden.

String Trellis:

  • Description: A simple yet effective trellis made by suspending horizontal strings between vertical supports. Plants are trained to climb up the strings as they grow.

  • Materials: Wooden stakes or metal posts with strong garden twine or wire strung horizontally between them.

  • Usage: Suitable for supporting crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas. Allows for easy vertical growth and airflow.


Cattle Panel Arch Trellis:

  • Description: Constructed from sturdy metal cattle panels bent into an arch shape. Plants are trained to climb up the sides of the panels.

  • Materials: Metal cattle panels, metal T-posts or wooden stakes for support.

  • Usage: Ideal for larger garden spaces or raised beds. Suitable for heavy vining crops like squash and melons.


Some of the different veggies benefits from trellis support

  

  • Cucumbers: Cucumber vines can sprawl extensively if left unsupported, leading to tangled growth and decreased air circulation. Trellising cucumbers promotes straighter fruit.

  • Peas: Pea plants are natural climbers, and trellising them allows the tendrils to grasp onto support structures as they grow. Vertical trellises help conserve garden space and keep the pea pods clean and easily accessible.

  • Beans (Pole Beans): Unlike bush beans, which grow in compact bushes, pole beans are climbing varieties that require trellises or support structures to climb. Trellising pole beans encourages upward growth, making harvesting more convenient and extending the growing season.

  • Squash (including Zucchini and Summer Squash): While some varieties of squash are bush types, others, such as certain types of zucchini and summer squash, have vining growth habits. Trellising these types of squash can help save space in the garden and prevent the fruit from rotting on the ground.

  • Melons (e.g., Cantaloupe, Watermelon): Certain melon varieties, particularly smaller or "personal-sized" types like cantaloupe, honeydew, and sugar baby watermelon, can be trellised to save space and support the weight of the developing fruit.

  • Luffa: Also known as loofah or sponge gourd, is a tropical vine that produces fibrous fruits used as natural sponges. Trellising Luffa vines allows the fruits to grow straight and facilitates easier harvesting.

  • Malabar Spinach: Unlike traditional spinach, Malabar spinach is a heat-loving vine that thrives in warm climates. Trellising Malabar spinach encourages upward growth and prevents the vines from sprawling on the ground.



Conclusion 


In permaculture gardening, trellises emerge as invaluable tools for creating resilient, productive ecosystems and it exemplifies the holistic approach to gardening that lies at the heart of permaculture philosophy. As the demand for sustainable food production practices continues to grow, trellises offer a practical and effective solution for cultivating abundance in harmony with nature.


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