10 Best Trellises for Sweet Peas (DIY & Ready-Made Options!)

Sweet peas don’t mess around. Once they get growing, they need something to climb – and fast.

Without support, they’ll tangle, flop, and end up in a weedy mess. Which is frustrating, especially when you’ve taken the time to sow them just right. (Check out my tips on natural ways to prevent weeds so your sweet peas have the best chance to thrive!)

That’s where a good trellis comes in. But not all trellises are created equal. Some are better for windy spots, some are cheap and easy to slap together, and others add charm without much fuss.

Whether you’ve got old junk in the shed or you’re ready to build something from scratch, there’s a setup that’ll do the job.

In this article, I'll cover ten of the best types – everything from bamboo teepees to reused ladders and strong wire panels. Some are quick fixes. Others hold up for years.

But every single one has been used by real gardeners, in real dirt, with sweet peas that actually climbed.

Let’s get into it.

1. Bamboo Teepee Trellis

This one's a go-to for a reason. It’s cheap, it works, and it actually looks pretty good in the garden. Plus, bamboo lasts longer than most folks expect if you keep it off soggy soil.

Here’s how it works:

You grab 5 or 6 bamboo poles, each about 6 to 8 feet tall. Stand them in a circle, push the bottoms into the soil a bit, and pull the tops together.

Tie them tight with garden twine or zip ties – whatever holds. That’s your basic structure. You can leave it as-is or add horizontal twine between the poles to help the vines grip better.

Sweet peas get planted around the base. As they grow, you guide them up the poles. And honestly? They usually figure it out themselves after a bit.

The conical shape means the plant gets sun from all sides, and air moves through easily, which helps prevent mildew.

It’s especially good for small garden beds, corners, or even big containers. Flexible, practical, and bonus – kind of charming in a rustic way.

2. Chicken Wire Trellis

This one’s a solid pick when you want something sturdy but still budget-friendly.

It’s also one of the more customizable options – works on fences, between posts, or even as part of an A-frame if you're building one.

Start by driving two wooden stakes or metal rods into the ground, about 3 to 4 feet apart.

Then stretch chicken wire between them. Pull it tight and fasten it using staples, nails, or zip ties. If it sags, your vines will too, so don’t skimp on tension.

The holes in chicken wire give sweet peas plenty of grip. Just tuck a few shoots through early on, and they’ll latch on without much help. It's strong enough to hold up a full season of growth, even when the plants get bushy.

Downsides? It’s not the easiest material to handle. Edges can poke or cut, so gloves help. But once it's up, it stays up and sweet peas love it.

3. String Trellis

Probably the simplest one on this list. And cheap too – garden twine, two stakes, and you’re good. That’s really all it takes.

You plant two sturdy posts (wood or metal) about 3 to 4 feet apart.

Then you run string or twine back and forth between them, spacing each line a few inches apart from bottom to top. Some folks go with a zigzag pattern. Others make a grid. Either works.

It doesn’t take long to set up, and it’s great for smaller gardens or raised beds. The twine gives just enough grip for young sweet pea tendrils to grab onto.

And since you're using string, it’s easy to guide vines manually when needed.

The only catch? Twine doesn’t last forever. Rain, sun, and weight from the plants will wear it down.

You’ll probably need to replace it every season but that’s part of the trade-off for something this simple and inexpensive.

4. Obelisk Trellis

This one's for gardeners who like things neat. Structured. Even a little decorative.

Obelisks are tall, upright frames – usually square or pyramid-shaped – that can be made from wood, metal, or both.

You can buy them pre-built or build your own with a few boards and screws. Either way, they’re meant to be planted around, not next to.

Sweet peas love them. They’ll twine up all sides, filling in the shape like a leafy, flowering tower. Looks great in the middle of a bed or even in a large container. Also: good airflow, solid support, no mess.

If you like a tidy garden with clearly defined spots for each plant, this might be your trellis. Just anchor it well so it doesn’t tip when the vines fill in and the wind picks up.

5. A-Frame Trellis

Think of it like a folding ladder – but made for plants.

You build two sides that lean together like the letter A, then connect them at the top with a crossbar. Garden netting, chicken wire, or strong string gets attached to each side to give your sweet peas something to climb.

These things are strong. Really strong. That triangle shape handles weight and wind better than most other styles. Perfect for open areas or raised beds with no windbreak nearby.

Bonus: you can plant on both sides. That’s double the sweet peas in the same footprint. If you’ve got space for one of these, it’s a solid choice for long rows or full-sun spots that need structure and stability.

6. Plastic Fence Trellis

This one's more about using what you already have.

If there’s a fence along your garden – wooden, wire, chain-link, plastic – it can double as a trellis. All you really need is a bit of garden netting, string, or chicken wire to give sweet peas something extra to latch onto.

Staple or zip-tie the support material right to the fence. Try to keep it snug and not sagging. Then just plant the seeds along the base and let them climb.

What makes this work so well is how it turns a plain old fence into something way better. By mid-season, that flat surface becomes a green wall full of color. No extra space needed. No structure to build.

If you’ve got a fence, use it.

7. Ladder Trellis

Yep – an actual ladder. The old wooden kind works great. Metal ones can work too.

You can lean it against a wall or stick the legs directly into the ground for more stability. The rungs are already spaced for climbing, so sweet peas don’t need much guidance.

People often have old ladders sitting around, and this gives them a second life. No need to modify much. Just give it a rinse and maybe a coat of sealant if it’s wood and staying outdoors for a while.

Besides being functional, it adds a bit of character. Something about an old, slightly crooked ladder covered in vines feels just right in a backyard or cottage garden.

8. Wooden Trellis (Pre-made)

These are the classic ones – store-bought or homemade wooden trellises in different shapes like lattices, fans, and grids.

They look good, especially if you like a natural or cottage garden style. And they’re sturdy. Most will last a few seasons at least, more if you take care of them (a little sanding and sealant goes a long way).

The downside is cost. They’re not the cheapest option, especially if you go for a nicer design.

But if you want something that blends into the garden, gives solid support, and looks polished, wood trellises do the trick.

Just make sure to secure them well. A strong wind will knock over even the best-built ones if they’re just resting against something.

9. Metal Trellis (Pre-made)

If you're after something that can really hold up to weather, weight, and time – this is the one. Metal trellises are tough. Once they’re set up, they usually stay put for years.

You can buy them in decorative styles – arches, grids, towers – or make your own out of scrap metal. People use old iron gates, bed frames, or even rusted fencing sections. As long as it’s got a shape and space for vines to grab, it works.

They're not always cheap. And moving them around isn’t exactly easy. But for long-term planting areas, or if you just like that clean metal look, they do the job. Plus, sweet peas love the strength – no sagging, no snapping, even when they’re in full bloom.

10. Wire Mesh/Panel Trellis

This one’s the workhorse.

You use strong fencing wire, welded mesh, cattle panels, or even hog panels.

Set them up between two sturdy posts, and that’s it. You’ve got a vertical wall, an arch, or a tunnel – depending on how creative you get.

These setups are especially good in row gardens or places with lots of open space. You can make them tall, wide, curved – whatever suits your layout. The mesh openings give tendrils plenty to grip, and the heavy-gauge wire won’t bend or rust quickly.

Not the prettiest option. But definitely one of the strongest. If you're planting lots of sweet peas and don’t want to rebuild every year, this is the one to consider.

Choose your trellis, plant your seeds, and watch your sweet peas bloom! 🌿

That’s ten types of trellises – each one with its own strengths. Some are pretty. Some are sturdy. A few are both.

Bamboo teepees and string grids are great for beginners or tight budgets. Chicken wire and fence setups make the most of what you already have. Wooden and obelisk trellises add charm. Wire mesh and A-frames? They’ll stand through storms.

The right choice depends on your space, materials on hand, and how many sweet peas you’re trying to grow.

But the good news is – there’s no one right answer. Just pick what fits, get those seeds in the ground, and help them climb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the easiest trellis to build for sweet peas?

The string trellis wins for simplicity. All you need is a bit of garden twine and two stakes. It takes minutes to set up and works well for small spaces or quick plantings.

When should I install the trellis – before or after planting?

Before is best. Sweet peas need support early, and putting up a trellis after they’ve started growing can damage their roots or tangle the vines.

How tall should a sweet pea trellis be?

Around 5 to 6 feet is a good target. Sweet peas love to climb and will easily reach that height by mid-season. Taller structures are fine too – just make sure they’re stable.

What kind of trellis works best in windy spots?

A-frame trellises and wire mesh panels. Their shape and sturdiness hold up well in open or breezy gardens. Skip the lightweight or top-heavy styles if wind is a regular issue.

Can I reuse old stuff like ladders or gates as a trellis?

Absolutely. Ladders, metal bed frames, even leftover fencing panels – if it stands up and has places for vines to grip, it can work. Just make sure it’s secure and won’t tip.