We showed you our garden support system made wholly of bamboo trellises that we fashion from bamboo and jute twine.
Perhaps a tutorial is in order. When I first started making these trellises I got the idea from a story many years ago in Martha Stewart Living magazine. Who else but Martha would have something like this?
First we get out bamboo from a neighbor who is happy to have the dead wood from his bamboo forest thinned each year.
Then we cut six (or eight) poles per trellis to approximately the same length (somewhere betwen 8 and 12 feet depending on the poles we have). Accurate measuring is not necessary.
Tie pairs or triads together by winding twine around them.
We used to be much more precise but have realized over the past few years that lots of twine and fancy lashing just aren’t necessary.
Stick the untied ends of the bamboo in the dirt and lash crossbars across the top and bottoms.
It’s not necessary for the bamboo poles to be uniform in diameter or even totally straight.
After the basic shape is erect, string the entire form with 6-8 verticle twine climbers. Tie at the bottom and go over the top bar and tie on the oppposite side.
This basic A-shape trellis is great for cucumbers, pole beans or any vining vegetable (or flower, if you’re into that sort of thing. I am, but Charlie is certainly not going to waste time or energy on trellising flowers.)
Hmmm . . .
What’s your totally frugal but extravagant secret? C’mon, let us in on it, we won’t tell.
I’m linked to
Let's Face the Music 
oh wow! what a great tutorial. thank you for sharing it.
i’m visiting from jami’s garden party.
hahahaha yes high strung!! great tutorial!
What an amazing garden!
wow…that’s impressive!
Great post! I was just thinking about how I was going to trellis some random cucumber plants in my raised bed. Thanks for the post!
Wow! Your garden looks fantastic! Wish I had access to some free bamboo. We have to get ours from Lowes and they don’t always have the sizes I want.
I can almost guarantee that a neighbor (even one you haven’t met yet) needs to thin his bamboo forest. Just keep an eye out. Of course you have to have the kind of gumption that Charlie and our son have to ask for it. They figure nothing ventured nothing gained and they enjoy chatting with people. Of course, if it were up to me, I’d buy it at Lowes, too, then kick myself when the free stuff miraculously showed up. Jo
If you have any rivers near by I can almost guarantee you will find some bamboo along the banks.
Excellent! And so easy! Thanks for the tutorial!
Wow! Those are really tall trellises. Thanks for sharing your tutorial.
Thank you so much for the tutorial! your garden looks great! My husband just found some nice bamboo from someone desperate to thin their bamboo forest that posted on craigslist free section. Thanks again!!
Add some tarp to the A frame and you’ve got a teepee!
I wish that was my garden! I love how much space you have around each bed. 🙂
Once upon a time Charlie started a traditional-style garden but since it could be seen from the street and the house I asked him to try a square-foot style. We started with just four squares and now it’s 16 which seems to be more than sufficient for us and our friends. Jo
That is fantastic! I bet you get a lot of produce from that. I’m cramming in a 10’x8′ homemade green house that is overgrown. I can barely reach the tomatoes in the back and I have to maneuver between the zucchini plants. Do you use a drip watering system, sprinklers, or just a hose?
Just a hose. This summer we have not needed to water much but Charlie likes to spot water the squares as they need moisture. Jo PS Our squares are 4′ by 4′ separated by 2′ wide paths.
Well it looks amazing and very professional. Thank you for sharing the idea! 🙂 JM
Why haven’t I thought of using bamboo? I know of some homes with it; maybe I can get permission to thin it out for the homeowner.
Go for it. Jo
Very enjoyable piece. Looks like a good support for tomatoes. Where are you to have neighbors with acres of bamboo?
We’re in Maryland. It doesn’t take acres of bamboo just someone who planted it in his backyard and it took over. Look around, you have a neighbor with bamboo. Jo
Now that you mention it I have seen bamboo in the landscape of hotels and Disneyland. And remember someone remarking how quickly they grow and take over. I’ll keep my eyes open for asking opportunities close to home. Thanks! 😊
Wow, nice garden !
Thanks, Elyse. Check out this year’s garden: https://charlieandjo.wordpress.com/2015/07/28/tidying-up-the-garden/ Jo
I started a garden in December 2019, there was a sector in the garden that underwent a modification (they took out a gas tank that we used buried and there was a very ugly hole). From so much reading that people make gardens, and remembering my grandparents, I was able to read and arrange a sector of about 2 square meters (I am in Argentina). I have had several satisfactions and I have made many mistakes. The strawberries are on the floor and the most ripe ones are eaten by little birds before I can rescue them … hahaha. But I love it when I make my salad with my harvest. I will continue to maintain it as long as possible. Thank you very much for the ideas. I am fixing some reeds that I found in the street and I will make a protection so that the sun does not burn them next summer.
So great to hear about your successful garden and the inspiration from your grandparents. Mine and yours knew how to accomplish things that we are just discovering. Here’s to greater success and fewer missteps in the future. Jo
Thanks for the comment!