Grow Perfect Tomatoes with This PVC Trellis

2018-11-19
Grow Perfect Tomatoes with This PVC Trellis
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Skill Level: Beginner

A couple of connector pieces and lengths of pipe come together in this project to create a simple polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe arbor that fits over a raised bed. Netting covers the outside to prevent insects and animals from harming the fruits and veggies that you worked so hard to grow all season. The best part? You can easily disassemble this DIY trellis and store it for later use.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 Rubber mallet
  • 1 Chop saw

Materials

  • 6 ½" PVC pipe cut to 48"
  • 3 ½" PVC pipe cut to 43"
  • 4 ½" PVC pipe cut to 33"
  • 3 ½" PVC pipe cut to 80"
  • 6 1" PVC pipe cut to 12"
  • 10 ½" PVC T connectors
  • 2 ½" PVC cross connectors
  • 1 Bird- or deer-deterrent mesh
  • 1 Zip ties

Instructions

  1. Add Anchoring Pipes

    Use a rubber mallet to hammer the 12" PVC pipes into the soil of the raised bed. There should be a pipe in each corner of the raised bed, as well as centered between the corners of the two long sides. You can add more or fewer pairs of anchoring pipes based on the size of your raised bed. If you add more, you will need more PVC pipes, cross connectors, and T connectors.

  2. Add Side Pipes

    Stick the 48" pieces of ½" PVC into the 12" anchoring pipes. Push them in as far as possible to ensure the structure will be stable.

  3. Add Connector Joints

    At the top of each corner PVC pipe, secure a T connector. Add a joint connector piece, then add another T connector on top. Have the open joints face opposite corners.

    On the middle anchor PVC pipes, add a cross connector. Add a joint connector piece, then add a T connector on top of the cross connector, with the open joint facing into the raised bed.

  4. Create Bottom Framework

    Using the 43" pieces of PVC, connect the support pipes along the narrow ends. Also insert a 43" piece of PVC in the T connectors (the ones on top of the cross connectors). Use the 33" pieces of PVC to connect from the corner stakes to the center cross pieces, creating the main framework for the arched top.

  5. Create Arches

    Take the 80" pieces of PVC pipe, and insert one into one of the T connectors. Arch it over the narrow length of the structure and insert it into the opposite T connector. Continue until you have three arches in a row.

  6. Secure Netting

    Drape the netting over the arch, making sure the mesh reaches the ground. Secure with zip ties along the arch and just below the connectors, pulling taught before securing. At the bottom of the structure, cut the mesh at the joints up to the connectors to allow a flap to lift open for harvest.

Related Article

How to Grow and Care for Calathea

How to Grow and Care for Calathea

Learn how to grow calathea indoors successfully. This guide includes essential tips for watering, humidity, light, and fertilizing.
9 Common Houseplants You Might Not Know Are Poisonous

9 Common Houseplants You Might Not Know Are Poisonous

Many favorite houseplants are toxic if ingested, so be extra careful with them, especially around small children and pets.
8 Common Bird Feeder Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)

8 Common Bird Feeder Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)

When keeping bird feeders in garden areas, make sure to avoid these bird-feeding mistakes. Instead, keep your winged visitors healthy and happy year-round.
This Front Yard Prairie Garden Requires Almost No Maintenance

This Front Yard Prairie Garden Requires Almost No Maintenance

An Iowa gardener takes cues from nature to create an easy-care wildlife haven filled with colorful native plants.
How to Attract Fireflies to Your Yard for Delightful Evenings

How to Attract Fireflies to Your Yard for Delightful Evenings

Enjoy a natural light show by learning how to attract fireflies to your yard. These enchanting bugs are not only entertaining, but good for your yard.
How to Make a Pallet Potting Bench for Your Gardening Projects

How to Make a Pallet Potting Bench for Your Gardening Projects

Follow our step-by-step guide to make a beautiful and functional pallet potting bench using recycled wood pallets.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
Dress Up Your Home with This Foolproof Foundation Garden Plan

Dress Up Your Home with This Foolproof Foundation Garden Plan

Create a welcoming look for your home with this easy-care combination of foundation plantings that will look great around the foundation of your home.
This Extra-Easy Sun-Loving Garden Plan Blooms for Months

This Extra-Easy Sun-Loving Garden Plan Blooms for Months

Try this extra-easy sun-loving garden plan to enjoy tons of color from tough perennials that don't require a lot of maintenance.
How to Plant and Grow Sword Fern

How to Plant and Grow Sword Fern

This guide provides essential tips on how to grow sword fern, a North American native with a big garden presence.
How to Make a Succulent Heart Planter from Concrete

How to Make a Succulent Heart Planter from Concrete

Cement your love of succulents by whipping up this adorable concrete planter that you can hang up.
11 Small Vegetable Garden Ideas for Maximizing Your Homegrown Harvest

11 Small Vegetable Garden Ideas for Maximizing Your Homegrown Harvest

These small vegetable garden ideas will help you make the most of the growing space you have.
Can You Plant Garlic in the Spring? With These Must-Know Tips, You Can

Can You Plant Garlic in the Spring? With These Must-Know Tips, You Can

Even if you missed the fall planting window, here's how you can plant garlic in spring and still get tasty greens and bulbs to eat.
When Should You Aerate Your Lawn to Grow Healthier Grass?

When Should You Aerate Your Lawn to Grow Healthier Grass?

Knowing exactly when you should aerate your lawn will help you revive a struggling lawn without chemicals. Here's how to tell if your lawn needs aerating and how to time it right.
What Is Grass Paint? Plus 6 Tips for Painting Your Lawn

What Is Grass Paint? Plus 6 Tips for Painting Your Lawn

A coat of easy-to-apply grass paint is a quick way to turn a brown lawn green. Get tips for when and how to use grass paint for a lush-looking lawn.
What You Need to Know About Winterizing a Lawn

What You Need to Know About Winterizing a Lawn

Get a jumpstart on a lush, healthy lawn next spring with this guide on winterizing a lawn. Plus, get your lawn mower ready for winter storage.
How to Create Organic Soil for Your Healthiest Garden Ever

How to Create Organic Soil for Your Healthiest Garden Ever

Turn sand, clay, or barren ground into rich, organic garden soil that will sustain plants for years with the right ingredients and these expert tips.
Peach Tree Diseases and Pests

Peach Tree Diseases and Pests

Here's what you need to know about common peach tree diseases and pests and how to fight them.
18 Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Upgrade Your Hangout Spots

18 Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Upgrade Your Hangout Spots

Use plants, hardscaping, and other backyard landscape design elements such as water features, fencing, and arbors to create privacy and beauty.
16 Front Yard Flower Bed Ideas for a Welcoming Entryway

16 Front Yard Flower Bed Ideas for a Welcoming Entryway

These front yard flower bed ideas will add curb appeal and welcome guests to your home through the seasons.