Grape trellis
The general rule digging holes in the ground for posts is to make the post hole be 3 times the diameter or width of the post. If the posts need to be higher above the ground, longer pots are used. So with a 180cm (6′) post, 60cm (2′) is in the ground, and 120cm (4′) is above the ground. The simple way to do this is to divide the length of the post into three, the bottom third should be below the ground. Divide the height of the post by one-third, this is the depth of the hole required for it. The general rule when setting fence posts or any other posts into the ground, is to have 1/3 of the total length above the ground, and 2/3 above the ground. To do this, use some kind of support, such as a teepee structure made of three timber stakes tied together at the top, then fill the hole with concrete. Using concrete, for an even more secure fixing, the posts must be held in place securely and straight until the concrete sets.Using gravel, set the posts into the holes, hold the posts straight, fill with gravel and pack it down around them.In loose soils that can’t adequately support the posts, dig holes of the correct depth and width (see below), then secure the posts in the holes using one of the following methods: In firm soils, hammer the posts into the soil with a club hammer (small sledge hammer) if the soil is firm. The posts need to be hammered into the ground, the correct distance apart so they can be bolted together. Step 3 – Drive star pickets into ground, the correct distance apart Drill one hole at the top of each upright post, and drill two holes on the horizontal post – one hole near the top, and the other a short distance from the bottom (pointed end).ĭrilling the holes in the posts to construct the trellis.Hold flat edges against each other as closely as possible to work out where to drill the holes to bolt the posts together.This is important, as the wire will be strung through these holes when the trellis is assembled as an upside-down “U” shape. Lay steel star-pickets posts on the ground, with the sides that have the holes facing inwards.Step 2 – Drill the star pickets to allow them to be bolted together If you choose to use it for shade, position it to run lengthwise across the direction you wish to block the sun from.įor example, to block the north midday sun in the Southern Hemisphere, place in a northernmost position running west to east. Orientation should run lengthwise north to south if you want to maximise sun coverage and not shade out any adjacent garden areas. Blue square shows position of plastic safety cap.Purple circles show position of fastening bolts.Red rectangles show position of turnbuckes.Yellow lines indicate the position of the wire supports.I have highlighted the various parts on the picture below to assist in explaining the construction. Club hammer – or something else to hammer star pickets into the ground with.Plastic safety cap for star picket (x1).Bolts 6mm x 50mm with matching nuts and washers (x2).Turnbuckles (x3) – or some other means of tensioning the wire.Plastic coated or galvanised wire, 2.0mm or 12 gauge (x30ft/10m).Here are the instructions for the construction of a basic 2.0m x 2.4m (6′ x 8′) grape vine trellis as shown below.Ĭonstruction materials required are as follows: