10 Best DIY Trellises for a Small Garden: Grow Up, Not Out!
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I’ve always believed that a small garden doesn’t mean small dreams—it just means getting creative with how you grow. 
When space is tight, going vertical is the best way to maximize every inch while keeping your garden beautiful and productive. And what better way to do that than with a DIY trellis?
I’ve built my fair share of trellises over the years—some brilliant, some… well, let’s just say they didn’t survive a strong wind. 
But I’ve learned a lot along the way, and today, I’m sharing the 10 best DIY trellis ideas that are easy, affordable, and perfect for a small garden.
Why Use a Trellis in a Small Garden?
Saves Space – Trellises let vining plants grow up instead of out, making room for more veggies or flowers. Increases Airflow – Better circulation means fewer diseases and stronger plants. 
Easier Harvesting – No more bending over! Just pluck your tomatoes or cucumbers right at eye level. 
Adds Beauty & Structure – A well-designed trellis turns a small space into a stunning vertical garden.
10 Best DIY Trellises for Small Gardens
Each trellis includes materials, step-by-step instructions, and a pro tip to make your DIY project a success!
The Classic A-Frame Trellis 
Perfect for: Peas, cucumbers, pole beans 
Materials Needed: Wooden stakes (4-6 ft), twine or wire, screws/nails, drill Skill Level: Beginner 
How to Make It:
- Cut two wooden stakes to your desired height.
- Lean them together in an A-shape and secure them at the top with a hinge or twine.
- Attach twine or wire horizontally every few inches for climbing support.
- Anchor the stakes into the soil for stability.
Pro Tip: Add a hinge at the top so you can fold it flat for storage in the off-season.
The Ladder Trellis 
Perfect for: Tomatoes, vining flowers 
Materials Needed: Old wooden ladder or scrap wood, screws, drill Skill Level: Easy 
How to Make It:
- Find an old ladder or construct one using scrap wood and screws.
- Secure the legs in the soil or against a sturdy structure.
- Let climbing plants grow through the rungs naturally.
Pro Tip: Paint it a bright color for a fun garden accent! 
The String & Pole Trellis 
Perfect for: Beans, peas, morning glories Materials Needed: Wooden poles (6 ft), garden twine, hammer Skill Level: Super Easy
How to Make It:
- Place two poles into the ground, spacing them a few feet apart.
- Tie twine horizontally between the poles, spacing each row 6 inches apart.
- Guide plants up the strings as they grow.
Pro Tip: Secure the base well so strong winds don’t knock it over!
The Cattle Panel Arch 
Perfect for: Squash, melons, gourds 
Materials Needed: Cattle panel fencing, metal stakes, zip ties Skill Level: Moderate 
How to Make It:
- Bend a cattle panel into an arch shape.
- Secure both ends using metal stakes and zip ties.
- Train your plants to climb up and over the arch.
Pro Tip: Use zip ties to anchor it for extra stability! 
The Upcycled Bike Wheel Trellis 
Perfect for: Climbing roses, clematis, vines Materials Needed: Old bike wheel, metal rod, screws Skill Level: Moderate 
How to Make It:
- Mount a bike wheel on a sturdy rod in the garden.
- Use twine or wire to extend climbing pathways.
- Train plants to spiral around the wheel.
Pro Tip: Add solar fairy lights for a magical glow at night! 
The DIY Obelisk Trellis 
Perfect for: Cucumbers, clematis, roses Materials Needed: Wooden dowels, screws, hammer Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Make It:
- Construct a square or pyramid base using wooden dowels.
- Attach horizontal slats for plant support.
- Secure firmly in the soil and guide plants upwards.
Pro Tip: Stain or paint it to match your garden aesthetic!
The Fan Trellis 
Perfect for: Peas, small flowering vines Materials Needed: Wooden slats, nails, hammer Skill Level: Beginner
How to Make It:
- Arrange wooden slats in a fan shape and secure them with nails.
- Attach the trellis to a fence or wall for support.
Pro Tip: Attach it to a wall or fence to support heavier vines!
The Hanging String Trellis 
Perfect for: Beans, cucumbers, morning glories Materials Needed: Twine, nails, screws Skill Level: Easy
How to Make It:
- Tie vertical strings from a wooden beam or overhead structure.
- Ensure strings are taut to support plant growth.
Pro Tip: Use biodegradable twine for an eco-friendly option! 
The PVC Pipe Trellis
Perfect for: Lightweight veggies, sweet peas Materials Needed: PVC pipes, elbow connectors, screws Skill Level: Beginner
How to Make It:
- Assemble PVC pipes into a grid or A-frame shape.
- Secure joints with elbow connectors and screws.
Pro Tip: Drill small holes to tie extra support twine!
The Folding Trellis
Perfect for: Snap peas, clematis, passionflower Materials Needed: Hinged wooden panels, nails, hammer Skill Level: Intermediate
How to Make It:
- Hinge two wooden panels together to create a foldable frame.
- Secure the bottom in the soil and let plants climb.
Pro Tip: Use wire mesh for extra climbing support!
Comparison Chart: 10 Best DIY Trellises for Small Gardens
| Trellis Type | Best For | Skill Level |  Cost |  Space Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame Trellis | Peas, cucumbers, beans | Beginner |  | Small to Medium |
| Ladder Trellis | Tomatoes, vining flowers | Easy | | Small |
| String & Pole Trellis | Beans, peas, morning glories | Super Easy | | Narrow Spaces |
| Cattle Panel Arch | Squash, melons, gourds | Moderate | | Medium to Large |
| Bike Wheel Trellis | Roses, clematis, vines | Moderate | | Small |
| Obelisk Trellis | Cucumbers, climbing roses | Intermediate | | Medium |
| Fan Trellis | Peas, flowering vines | Beginner | | Small to Medium |
| Hanging String Trellis | Beans, cucumbers | Easy | | Narrow Spaces |
| PVC Pipe Trellis | Sweet peas, light veggies | Beginner | | Small |
| Folding Trellis | Clematis, passionflower | Intermediate | | Small to Medium |
Final Thoughts: Grow More with Less Space!
A small garden doesn’t mean limited possibilities—it just means thinking vertically! Whether you’re growing tomatoes, cucumbers, or flowers, a DIY trellis can transform your space, making it more productive, organized, and beautiful.
Each of these 10 trellis ideas is designed to be budget-friendly and simple to build, whether you’re upcycling an old bike wheel, crafting a classic A-frame, or experimenting with hanging string supports. The key is to match your trellis to your plants and space!
So, which one are you excited to try? Have you built your own DIY trellis before? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your creative ideas!
Happy gardening, and may your plants climb high! 
