Whether you are short on space or just need a garden arbor, learning how to build an arch trellis is a simple way to add some beauty and functionality to your home garden. This arched trellis is made using cattle panels and fence posts and is the easiest way I have found to make a garden arch trellis.

Garden trellises are a great way to improve your outdoor space. Not only are they practical to grow green beans, sweet peas, grape vines, squash, or other types of plants, but they are beautiful. The best part is you will want to grab a good book and chair as it is a perfect spot to make a little seating area right under this easy diy project! Good luck!

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Supplies Needed

In 2023, at Tractor Supply, here are the prices of the supplies you will need. However, you can get these things at home depot or most hardware stores:

1 cattle panel costs $35. You will want to bring a trailer or truck to pick these up.
4 T-post fence posts at $5.39 each
Post pounder at $35 or something like a sledgehammer to drive the posts into the ground
Zip ties aka cable ties at $9 for a pack of 100 or zipties off Amazon for cheaper at $7 for a pack of 1000

How to Build an Arch Trellis

The first step in building an arch trellis is finding the location in your garden space to place them. A great option to place garden arches is right at the entrance to your garden. It’s fun to walk into a beautiful garden right under a bunch of climbing plants. Wherever you place the cattle panel trellises, just know it becomes a focal point.

Once you know where to place the trellis, you can drive the fence posts into the ground. face the notches on the T-post inward, as they will help support the cattle panel. One post for each corner of the short side of the cattle panel. So 2 will be on one side of the arch and 2 will be on the other side of the arch. The short side of a cattle panel is 50″ so make sure you aren’t placing the fence posts further apart that that. Also, they should be place about 4-5 feet apart for the arch shape. You are basically just making a square of fence posts.

cattle panel arch trellis in no till garden

If this will only be a one-season arch piece, you could probably get away with putting just one post right in the middle of the sides of the arbor.
If doing this for raised garden beds, leave a little room between the wall of the raised bed and where you place the panel to plant your vegetables.

Place the cattle panel in between the fence posts. This is easier done with a partner, but I did this by myself which guarantees that anyone can do this. The steel cattle panel needs to be placed in the arch position. It is not exactly easy to maneuver a livestock panel into this interesting shape, but it is doable.

Once the wire fencing is in place, use zip ties to hold it together more securely. Alternatively, you could use a piece of wire to secure as well. This just makes it a bit more of a sturdy structure.

That’s it! Your garden structure is complete. Go plant your climbing plants and enjoy your arch trellises!

What to Grow on an Arched Trellis

There are so many plants to grow on an arched trellis. Here is a list of my favorite:

Scarlet Runner Beans
Sugar Snap Peas
Mini Pumpkins
Cucumbers
Morning Glories
Zucchini

Once the plants start growing, you may need to fasten heavy fruits or vegetables for a little added support. Tie some twine on the vine or use this amazing plant tying machine to save yourself time and energy.

FAQ’s

Is it cheaper to build your own trellis?

Yes! It is much cheaper. For $100, you could buy this one but it will be less sturdy and won’t last as long as one made with fence posts and cattle panels.

What is the difference between a lattice and a trellis?

A lattice is square or diagonal design, typically made by crossing wood together. A trellis can be square designed, but it is made to hold up climbing plants.

Pin How to Build an Arch Trellis to Use Later

diy cattle panel trellis in no till garden

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