How to Build a Branch Trellis in a Pot
By , This Old House magazine
Photo: Karen Bussolini
- Time: 2 hours
- Cost: About $135; less if you gather the branches yourself
- Difficulty: Easy
Shopping & Tool Lists
- Supplies You Will Need:
- 1. Branches, which can be gathered, or can be purchased at garden centers for about $20 for a bundle of 20 to 25
2. Terra-cotta pot
3. Potting soil
4. Twine
5. Seedlings
- Tools You Will Need:
-
1. Gardening gloves
2. Trowel
3. Anvil pruner
Introduction
Connecticut gardener Thyrza Whittemore uses dark-gray beech branches in big containers to support colorful sweet peas (or try growing other tender twiners, such as morning glories or black-eyed Susan vine). While any hardwood cuttings can be used, a beech’s flat branching structure creates a conveniently tidy form. Sweet peas can reach 6 to 8 feet in height, so size branches accordingly.