Constructing a Trellis for the peas
I got this idea from Four Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman. He made mention of a quick and easy way to construct a trellis for peas and other climbing vegetables. It involves some 8 foot pieces of 1.5″x1.5″ posts. I took a circular saw and cut one side at an approximate 45 degree angle to create a stake. Then i pounded three posts into the ground with a sledgehammer with equal distance between them. After that, i put two posts across the top of the stakes and connected them together with exterior deck screws. After that, i stapled some mesh netting to the structure to create the trellis. This will make the peas happy and it will also be easier to harvest this way. I planted the peas on either side of the trellis so they can climb up both sides. I planted Sugar Snap Peas and Green Arrow Peas . They should create a new and interesting variety when they cross pollinate.
This reminds me: Granny planted her peas along side something that looks sort of like your trellis, except she strung twine up and down for the vines to climb. Granny had the best peas ever, probably because they were the earliest. She usually planted her first row in February, and often we’d have some fresh peas for Easter dinner. (Along with young kale, green onions and lettuce. Yum!)
I remember your grandfather and grandmother Helton planting pole beans and letting them climb up the corn stalks. I suppose the peas were too early for corn to be tall and support them, but a vague memory is of some sort of trellis with string. You are onto something traditional here. Keep up the good work of the earth!
I love sweet peas and found your website by searching for easy to build “supports” for these vining plants…………thank you for such a fresh approach to gardening.