Garden trellises and cages basically are supports for climbing plants and vine vegetables to keep them off the ground as they grow. Usually the vine vegetables have a way of attaching themselves to these trellises and cages; other types of plants and vegetables will need to be tied onto the supports. Garden trellises are usually constructed of diagonal, horizontal, or vertical bars that are made of wood, plastic, or metal. They are available in various sizes and shapes.
A trellis in the garden is a very decorative element that will enhance any flower garden. Trellises and cages are easy to take care of and they are inexpensive to purchase. Wooden garden trellises, garden arches, wrought iron garden trellises, or a garden pergola can usually be purchased at most home and garden centers or nursery suppliers. The pressure treated wooden trellises should be used as they will last longer. Always choose the section of the garden where you have the correct sunlight and moisture for the flowers and vegetables of your choosing.
Trellises and cages are almost a necessity for certain garden vegetables. Some vertical vegetables such as vegetable garden peas and vegetable garden beans will need some sort of structure for climbing tall. The horizontal vegetable gardening crops such as cucumbers, melons, and squash will need trellises that are lower to the ground but high enough to keep them off the ground for cleaner and more defined crops.
There are several varieties of tomato that are classified as "indeterminate" meaning they will grow all season long. Tomatoes are best if they are supported by tomato cages, tomato ladders, or garden trellises because they will keep the fruit off the ground. Tomatoes classified as "determinate," those that grow to a definite height, produce all their fruit at one time and then stop growing will also benefit from these garden structures. The fruit will rot less often and be basically disease free.
Some gardeners prefer to grow "bush" varieties of vegetables because they take up less room. These varieties of squash, melons, and cucumbers will work better climbing on trellises if their fruit only reaches about 3 pounds each. You will probably have to train these crops to climb up and around cages or on trellises that are put together as a triangle.
Garden supply companies today have introduced new styles of vegetable cages and garden trellises. There are heavy-duty tomato cages that are classified as tomato towers and are much taller than the original conical style cage. There are A-frame supports, 3 panel trellises, bean towers, pea fences all of which will fold flat when you are not using them. These newer versions of garden cages and trellises will most likely work better than the old fashioned cone shaped wire cage and easy to store.
