This DIY arch trellis is an ideal size for any garden. Plus it’s very easy to build, and looks amazing too. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to make your own, step by step.
By now you know that vertical gardening is a huge space saver. The best part about using a small arch trellis like this is that you can plant shorter crops underneath it, giving you twice the amount of room.
The metal pieces make the arch very strong, so it will have no problem supporting the weight of a vine full of mature and heavy fruits.
Another benefit of this small arch trellis is that the vegetables will hang down, making them easy to see. The arch is also tall enough so you won’t have to bend over too far to harvest.
Once the fencing has been secured onto the frame, the arch is portable too. Simply pull the pieces out of the ground, move the arch to the new spot, and push them back into the ground.
DIY Arch Trellis FAQs
In this section I’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about my DIY arch trellis design. If you don’t see yours here, ask it in the comments below.
Do you plant on the inside the trellis or on the outside?
I tend to plant on the outside of the trellis so I have plenty of space for shorter crops underneath. But you can do it the inside if you prefer, it doesn’t matter.
Do you plant on both ends of the arch, or just one side?
I plant on both ends of the arch so that the vines/branches will meet at the top and fill it completely. You could plant longer vines only on one side, but the other side could end up being bare for most of the summer.
What types of plants can I use this arch for?
This arch is perfect for smaller vining crops like cucumbers, peas, beans, tomatoes, and cucamelons, but you could use it for flowers too if you’d like. It’s very sturdy and will last for many years.
How To Build A DIY Arch Trellis
Below are the step by step instructions for how to make a DIY arch trellis, including photos. It’s really easy, and doesn’t take much time. You can make just one, or repeat these steps to build as many as you need.
This DIY arch trellis is simple to make, and very sturdy. You can install it in any sized veggie garden plot, or even in your raised beds.DIY Arch Trellis Step-By-Step Instructions
Materials
Instructions
Notes
This is a partial excerpt from my book Vertical Vegetables. For more creative step by step DIY projects, and to learn all there is to know about growing vegetables vertically, order your copy now.
Learn more about my new Vertical Vegetables book here.
More About Vertical Gardening
- How To Make A Cattle Panel Trellis Arch
- How To Make Sturdy DIY Tomato Cages
- How To Build A Pea Trellis Arch
- How To Build A Squash Arch For Your Garden
- 20 Excellent Trellis Plants For Your Garden
Share your tips for making your own DIY arch trellis in the comments section below.
Some of these photos were taken by Tracy Walsh Photography.
Judy says
I nor the men at the hardware store could bend —or conceive of bending—the 3/8” rebar. How are you accomplishing this?
I really want to make this but need your advice. Spring is becoming!
Thanks much!
Amy Andrychowicz says
The photo in step 1 of the instructions shows you how I bent the rebar into the arch shape for this trellis. You need to take it very slow so you don’t kink the rebar.
Rochelle says
Would this be sufficient weight wise for a homeydew or a sugar baby watermelon in a 1×3 square foot garden?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, weight-wise this arch trellis would be strong enough to hold small melons. However, it might not be tall enough, depending on the length of the mature vines. Check out my squash arch or my cattle panel arch trellis for longer vines.
Kathleen says
Thanks for the great info. I have the same problem but with watermelon. It has started vining like crazy up our garden fence, which will certainly not support the weight of a watermelon. Ideas?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You would have to use a much larger and stronger trellis than this one for watermelons. My squash arch or cattle panel trellis would work great for mini melons. However, for the full-sized monsters, it’s best to leave those sprawling on the ground rather than try to trellis them, as they can become way too large and heavy.
Gale DeAngelis says
Thank you for this good idea. My cukes are already growing and taking over but I’m going to try and put this up and weave them in as much as I can.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
anon says
What gauge is the wire you used?
Amy Andrychowicz says
16 Gauge
Joseph E Haas says
Are you planting cucumbers on both sides of the trellis or just on one side?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I plant cucumbers on both ends of the arch trellis, and they meet over the top as they get taller.
Traci says
Couldn’t you use taller stakes at the top of the arch on both sides to support it? They come in longer sizes.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, you sure could modify my cucumber trellis arch design to use different types of stakes if you want. Don’t go too tall though, or you could end up with the tops of the stakes sticking out on either side of the arch. 🙂 Have fun!
Gail Hunter says
Amy, Have you found the wire too hot to burn the plants? We had that happen when growing beans against a chain link fence.
I’m thinking about using garden hoops, but wondering how to anchor the fencing to the hoops.
Amy Andrychowicz says
No, the fencing I use to make my cucumber trellises doesn’t get hot in the sun. You can easily attach the fencing to your hoops using plastic zip ties or wire plant ties. 🙂
lanese says
Hello!
I’m thinking about trying the cucumber arched trellis this year. Can the wire arch be rolled up and reused on other years? Or do you need to toss it at the end of harvest season?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great question! Yes, you can roll up the wire for storage, and reuse it year after year (which is exactly what I do with mine!). Your cucumber arch will last for many years.
Mary says
can I build this to fit into 28 inch pot that I am planting individual cucumber plants
Amy Andrychowicz says
This cucumber arch would definitely be too large for a 28 inch pot. But you might be able to make some modifications to it and span it between two pots, depending on your setup.
Chris says
Nice idea I hope I try this
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thanks!
Terri says
I love this idea thank you. Can i plant cucumber on one side and sugar snap peas or beans on the other?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! You could definitely try growing different types of plants on the arch trellis, that sounds fun. Cucumbers and peas would be a great combo because the peas are early crops, so they’ll be just about done by the time the cucumber vines grow over the arch. Pole beans and cucumber vines will grow over the arch and intertwine with each other, but that shouldn’t be a problem.