10 DIY Pea Trellis Ideas to Boost Your Garden

Using a trellis for peas is an easy and effective way to maximize space and encourage healthy growth.

By supporting pea vines off the ground, you not only improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease, but also make harvesting easier.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, the right trellis can significantly boost your pea harvest.

In this article, we’ll walk you through 10 DIY pea trellis ideas, each offering a simple, cost-effective solution for growing strong, thriving pea plants.

If you're specifically looking for trellis ideas for raised beds, be sure to check out our trellis ideas for raised beds for more helpful tips and inspiration!

1. Pea Support Cage

A pea trellis (or pea support cage) is a simple, sturdy structure designed to help pea plants grow vertically.

Made by repurposing a traditional tomato cage, it provides an ideal support system for peas to climb as they mature.

The cage allows the vines to reach upwards, keeping them off the ground and preventing the plants from becoming tangled or damaged.

It's a great way to save space in your garden while encouraging healthy growth, making it perfect for small or raised beds.

The open design of the cage ensures good airflow and sunlight, which peas need to thrive.

2. Posts and Netting Trellis

If you’re looking for a straightforward, vertical support system for your peas, a posts and netting trellis is a great option.

This method uses wooden or metal posts, spaced about 4 feet apart, with garden netting stretched between them.

The netting, often made of nylon, plastic, or even chicken wire, creates a sturdy surface that peas can easily climb.

To set up a posts and netting trellis, start by placing your posts in the ground. You can use wooden stakes or metal rods, depending on your preference and budget.

Once the posts are secure, attach the netting between them, either by tying it with twine or using zip ties for extra durability.

The netting’s grid pattern allows the pea vines to cling to it, creating a vertical growing space for your plants.

One of the primary advantages of this trellis is how easy it is to set up and maintain.

Once installed, the netting allows peas to grow upward with minimal intervention. The open structure also encourages better airflow, reducing the risk of disease and pests.

This method is best used in areas where you want to save space while ensuring your pea plants have strong support.

3. Posts and Wire Mesh Panels

A posts and wire mesh panels trellis offers a sturdy, long-lasting solution for supporting pea plants.

This method is ideal for gardeners looking for a more permanent structure.

By using wooden boards or sturdy posts as vertical supports and attaching wire mesh, such as chicken wire, cattle panels, or other types of fencing, you create a solid framework for your peas to climb.

To set up this trellis, start by securing wooden posts or boards in the ground, ensuring they are spaced adequately to support the wire mesh.

If you're using raised beds, attaching the wire panels directly to the sides can create a vertical growing surface.

Secure the wire mesh to the posts using zip ties, staples, or any other method that keeps the mesh tight and stable. The mesh's grid will allow pea vines to easily grab hold as they grow.

One of the main advantages of this setup is its durability. Wire mesh can withstand harsh weather conditions and last for several growing seasons, making it a great investment for long-term garden use.

Additionally, the strength of the mesh supports the weight of heavier pea plants, preventing breakage or damage. The open structure also promotes good air circulation, which is beneficial for reducing plant diseases.

This trellis style is perfect for larger gardens, raised beds, or areas where long-term support for peas is needed.

The wire mesh also provides a clean, organized look, allowing your peas to grow upwards and stay off the ground, which can help keep them free from soil-borne diseases and pests.

4. Garden Arch or Tunnel Trellis

A garden arch or tunnel trellis not only supports your peas but also adds a beautiful and decorative element to your garden.

This style of trellis uses curved or arching panels, typically made from cattle panels or other flexible wire, to create a tunnel or arch shape that peas can climb.

To create a garden arch or tunnel trellis, begin by securing two long panels of cattle or hog wire to the sides of your raised beds or garden plot.

The panels are bent to form a rounded arch, and the bottoms are anchored to the ground using stakes or sturdy wooden supports.

These arches can be spaced out evenly to create a continuous growing space for your peas to wind around.

Garden arches are not only functional but also visually appealing, offering a graceful, space-saving way to support peas.

This trellis method is perfect for gardeners who want to combine functionality with aesthetics. It’s especially great for larger gardens or those with enough space to create a more decorative layout.

5. Twig or Branch Trellis

A twig or branch trellis is a simple and natural method for supporting bush pea varieties.

If you're looking for a rustic, eco-friendly option, this approach makes use of natural materials that blend seamlessly into the environment.

It’s also an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer to use what they have on hand, making it an affordable and sustainable solution.

To create a twig or branch trellis, gather branches or twigs that are at least a foot taller than the expected height of your pea plants.

Insert these twigs or branches about 4-6 inches into the soil, spacing them apart so they form a sturdy framework.

These branches will act as vertical supports for your peas to climb, and they also give your garden a charming, organic look.

This trellis method works best for bush peas, which tend to grow more compactly than climbing varieties.

If you have access to twigs from your own garden or a nearby wooded area, this method is an excellent way to repurpose materials that might otherwise go to waste.

6. A-Frame Trellis

An A-frame trellis is a versatile and space-efficient design that offers solid support for climbing peas.

This structure consists of two rectangular frames connected at the top to form an “A” shape, with netting or twine added for pea vines to climb.

The A-frame is a sturdy and reliable option, perfect for gardeners who want a trellis that can withstand the elements and provide long-term support.

To build an A-frame trellis, start by constructing two rectangular wooden frames using materials like 2x4s or any other sturdy wood you have available.

Once you have your frames, attach them at the top with a hinge or zip ties, forming the A-shape.

You can then secure netting, twine, chicken wire, or wire panels along the sides, ensuring that the climbing peas have plenty of support. For added stability, you can add short wooden stakes or planks at the base of each side.

The A-frame design allows peas to grow vertically while utilizing a small footprint.

This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners with limited space or for those who want to maximize vertical growth in raised beds or smaller garden plots.

It’s also an ideal option for gardeners who want a freestanding trellis that can be moved or adjusted as needed.

7. Plastic Netting

Plastic netting is an easy and affordable way to support climbing plants like peas. It’s a lightweight material with small holes that plants can grab onto as they grow.

You can set it up in your garden by attaching it to a frame, wall, or simply stretch it across the garden bed.

The netting helps keep the plants off the ground, making them less likely to get pests or diseases. It’s also strong and can handle different weather conditions, so it lasts for a long time.

Plastic netting is a simple and effective way to help your plants grow tall and healthy while saving space in your garden.

8. Wooden Frame with Twine Grid

A wooden frame with a twine grid provides a simple yet effective solution for supporting peas while giving your garden a clean, organized appearance.

This style of trellis is made by constructing a square or rectangular frame from wooden stakes, such as bamboo or other sturdy wood.

Once the frame is built, you create a grid by tying jute twine (or any other plant-friendly twine) between nails or screws attached to the frame.

To make this trellis, start by constructing the frame. The size of the frame depends on your available space and how many pea plants you plan to grow.

Use four wooden stakes to form the outline of the frame and secure them in place.

Then, attach twine horizontally and vertically across the frame, creating a grid pattern that will serve as a support system for your climbing peas. You can also reinforce the grid by adding additional twine for extra support.

This trellis method is perfect for gardens in windy areas, as the twine grid can hold up well against strong gusts, and the wooden frame provides stability.

It also gives you the flexibility to adjust the grid size based on the needs of your peas, making it ideal for growing different varieties.

The simplicity and durability of the wooden frame with twine grid make it a reliable choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

It’s an easy-to-build trellis that looks neat and tidy, helping your peas grow upwards and thrive.

Additionally, the twine grid allows for more control over the growth pattern of your peas, keeping them organized and reducing the chances of overcrowding.

This trellis method is especially suited for gardeners who want a long-lasting, customizable, and low-maintenance solution that can be used for multiple seasons.

9. Climbing Twine Trellis

A brick pea bed with climbing twine is an efficient and visually appealing way to grow peas.

The bed itself is made by arranging bricks to form a contained space, offering excellent drainage and a stable structure for the plants. Instead of a traditional trellis, the peas are supported by twine set up in a teepee shape.

The twine is tied to a central point, creating a cone-like structure that the pea vines can naturally climb as they grow upward.

This setup provides plenty of vertical space, helping keep the plants off the ground, reducing the chance of pests and diseases, and making harvesting easier.

The combination of the sturdy brick walls and the twine teepee creates a functional and attractive garden feature, perfect for growing peas in a small or limited space.

10. Using Existing Structures as Trellises

If you already have sturdy structures in your garden, such as chain link fences, wooden fences, or grape arbors, these can easily be repurposed as pea trellises.

Using existing structures eliminates the need for building a trellis from scratch, saving you both time and money.

This method is perfect for gardeners who want a practical, low-maintenance solution without adding new materials to their garden.

To turn an existing structure into a pea trellis, all you need is some twine or garden netting. Attach the netting to a fence or arbor using zip ties, string, or staples, ensuring it is taut and secure.

If you are using a chain-link fence, you can simply plant your peas at the base and let them climb the links.

For wooden fences, consider adding horizontal twine or netting at different heights to support your peas as they grow.

One of the biggest advantages of using existing structures is the reduced cost and effort involved.

Fences or arbors that are already present in your garden can be transformed into functional trellises with minimal work.

This solution is best for gardeners who already have suitable structures in place or for those who want to make use of available space without building new trellises.

Use a trellis for peas to save space and boost harvest!

Using a trellis for your peas is a practical, space-saving solution that can significantly improve the health and yield of your plants.

Whether you prefer a simple bamboo structure, a decorative garden arch, or repurposing old materials, there are a variety of DIY trellis ideas that can suit your gardening needs.

Each of the 10 ideas explored offers a unique approach, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your garden's layout, budget, and aesthetic.

By providing vertical support, trellises help peas grow strong and healthy, reduce the risk of disease, and make harvesting easier.

No matter your level of gardening experience, there’s a DIY pea trellis option for everyone—from beginners to seasoned gardeners.

With the right support, you’ll be able to enjoy a productive and abundant pea harvest year after year.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the best material for making a pea trellis?

When choosing material for a pea trellis, consider durability, cost, and your garden's size. Bamboo is a popular choice for its natural look and affordability, while wire mesh provides a stronger, longer-lasting option. Wooden stakes and recycled materials are also great choices, depending on what you have available. Choose a material that is sturdy enough to support your peas as they grow.

2. How tall should a pea trellis be?

The ideal height for a pea trellis depends on the variety of peas you're growing. For bush peas, a shorter trellis (3-4 feet) is sufficient, while climbing peas typically require a taller trellis (5-6 feet or more) to support their upward growth. Make sure your trellis provides enough space for the vines to grow without restriction.

3. Can I use recycled materials for a pea trellis?

Yes, recycled materials like tomato cages, old ladders, and broken patio umbrellas can be repurposed as pea trellises. Not only is this an eco-friendly and cost-effective option, but it also allows for creative and personalized trellis designs that fit your garden's needs.

4. When should I install my pea trellis?

It's best to install your pea trellis early in the growing season, before planting your peas. This way, the plants will have the necessary support as they begin to grow. Installing the trellis at planting time ensures that the peas will start climbing as soon as they begin to sprout, encouraging healthy and strong growth.

5. Do I need to prune my pea plants when using a trellis?

Pruning isn’t always necessary for peas, but it can help if you're looking to maintain structure or remove any damaged growth. As your peas climb, you can lightly trim any excess growth or side shoots to keep them within the confines of the trellis. This helps to promote airflow, reduce disease risk, and keep the plants from becoming too tangled.