15 Things You Can Grow with a Cattle Panel Trellis - Gardening Channel (2024)

15 Things You Can Grow with a Cattle Panel Trellis - Gardening Channel (1)

by Jennifer Poindexter

Are you considering using cattle panels in your garden space? Are you sure how to go about it or which plants work best with this type of trellis?

If you’re feeling uncertain, or even if you’d like a few pointers, we’re here for you. As you read, you’ll learn multiple ways to stabilize this type of trellis.

Plus, you’ll be filled in on which types of plants are served best with a cattle panel trellis. If you’re interested in learning more about using cattle panels in your garden, read on.

Here’s what you should know to tackle this project:

15 Things You Can Grow with a Cattle Panel Trellis - Gardening Channel (2)

How to Stabilize a Cattle Panel Trellis

You might think that a cattle panel sounds like a durable trellis, but how do you keep it stable? There are two ways to go about this.

Which method you choose will depend upon how permanent you’d like the trellis to be. The first option is best used in a permanent growing set-up where your garden won’t change much from year to year.

Begin by placing two wooden posts in the ground. Screw the cattle panel to the posts. This will allow plants to grow vertically up the trellis.

Keep in mind, it’s wise to rotate your garden crops to avoid pests and diseases from forming where they know a certain crop will grow.

However, you may still practice crop rotation with a permanent trellis. Just be sure, even when rotating crops, that you plant something that climbs or sprawls near your cattle panel trellis to ensure its use.

The next option to stabilize a cattle panel trellis is less permanent. This is the option I frequently use because our garden changes quite a bit from year to year.

I don’t want to be tied to a certain layout due to a permanent trellis. In my case, I place plastic fence posts in the ground.

Keep the posts equal in distance. Then I angle the cattle panel in a lean-to position and allow the top to hook on the fence posts.

This keeps the trellis in place, but at the end of the season, I can take the fence posts down. Then I store them and the cattle panel in my barn until my next growing season.

I also like this method because I can cut my cattle panel to the size I need each year. If I’m growing a long row of something, I might use an entire panel.

However, if I’m growing a shorter row of a climbing or sprawling crop, I can cut the cattle panel down to size and arrange my fence posts accordingly.

Decide which method best suits your needs and try using a cattle panel trellis in your garden. This will keep your plants supported and healthy while maintaining a tidy growing space.

Plants That Work Best Using a Cattle Panel Trellis

Some plants do best when provided support, such as a trellis. Which plants might need a trellis in your garden? Here’s a list of flowers and vegetables that might thrive if provided a cattle panel trellis:

1. Mandevilla

Mandevilla is a gorgeous climbing flower that is frequently grown as an annual but is actually a tender perennial.

They’re hardy in planting zones nine through eleven. This plant should be grown in full sunlight and provided plenty of nutritious, well-draining soil.

2. Nasturtium

Nasturtium is another flowering plant that will find a cattle panel trellis useful. Though this plant is an annual, it reseeds easily and typically returns each year. It’s a great flower for planting zones two through eleven.

These flowers should be grown in the spring while temperatures are still mild. They prefer full sunlight, but if you live in a warm climate, they might do better if provided some afternoon shade.

3. Petunias

I love growing petunias. They come in so many different colors and designs. Plus, they can be grown using various methods. Some gardeners grow them in containers, hanging baskets, in the ground, or even in flower bags (which is my favorite way to grow them).

Petunias are only hardy in planting zones ten and eleven and are grown as annuals in most other locations. Ensure these flowers are provided ample sunlight and well-draining soil.

4. Sweet Pea

Do you live in a cooler planting zone and need a flower to liven up your landscape? Sweet pea could be an excellent choice. This flower prefers cooler temperatures and should be planted in early spring.

A little frost won’t harm them. In fact, though sweet peas are considered annuals, they grow well in planting zones two through eleven. Be sure to plant them where they’ll receive full to partial sunlight.

5. Climbing Roses

My grandmother always grew the prettiest climbing roses. They ran up the trellis on her front porch. If you’d like to grow a climbing variety of rose, consider providing it with a permanent cattle panel trellis.

Do your research on the variety of rose you choose to grow. Rose growing conditions and needs can vary based upon plant variety.

6. Clematis

A clematis can be a great investment around your property. This plant is a perennial and should return for many years with the proper care.

It’s hardy in planting zones four through nine. Be sure to grow clematis in full sunlight and plant it in well-draining soil that’s consistently damp.

7. Wisteria

Did you know you can make an arbor from a cattle panel? Wisteria would be a great plant to grow around it as it’s a gorgeous blooming perennial.

This plant is hardy in planting zones five through nine. It needs full to partial sunlight. You should ensure the soil is rich in nutrients and well-draining.

8. Morning Glory

Morning glories produce beautiful blooms in a variety of colors. They climb and are great for adding a touch of charm to wherever they grow. You can have these gorgeous flowers around your home in planting zones three through ten.

Though they’re annuals in many places, they self-sow easily and return for many years (in some cases). Be sure to provide these flowers with full sun and well-draining soil that’s high in nutrients.

9. Black-eyed Susan Vine

The black-eyed Susan vine is a gorgeous plant that’s only a perennial in planting zones ten and eleven. However, you can still enjoy it as an annual in other growing locations.

These flowers need well-draining soil and should be given morning sun. In warmer locations, they thrive when provided with afternoon shade.

10. Gourds

Gourds are plants you should grow with caution. They reseed easily and will return for many years (and can become invasive) if not grown carefully. I learned this the hard way.

They grow best in full sunlight and in soil that’s well-draining. A cattle panel trellis is a great option for this plant because it’s sturdy. This trellis can handle the weight of the gourds as they reach maturity.

Plant gourds after all threat of frost is over. They should be harvested prior to frost returning. Do give the gourds time to dry completely before putting them to use.

11. Peas

If you’ve ever grown peas in your garden, you know they can spread and take over a growing location with ease if not provided with a trellis.

A trellis not only keeps the plant healthy and free of rot, it also keeps your garden tidier until it’s time to harvest. Be sure to grow peas during the cooler portions of the year.

12. Melons

Some plants can take over your garden due to their ability to sprawl. However, it can be difficult to support them because of the weight of their fruit. By providing a strong trellis, such as cattle panels, it can keep the fruits fresh until harvest.

A cattle panel trellis can also help keep your garden maintained. Melons are a prime example of this and would benefit greatly from a cattle panel trellis.

These plants aren’t frost-tolerant, so be sure to plant them after all threat of frost is over. They also need full sunlight and well-draining soil.

13. Squash

There are many varieties of squash. Summer squash become larger, but they’re less likely to spread out over your growing space.

However, butternut squash (and other varieties) grow on vines and can become quite intrusive. Keep your squash harvest neat and healthy by providing a cattle panel trellis next to their growing location.

Squash can be grown after all threat of frost is over. These plants prefer well-draining, nutrient-dense soil. Plus, they enjoy ample sunlight as well.

14. Cucumbers

I won’t grow cucumbers without a trellis. The reason being is they sprawl, and it can be hard to pick cucumbers effectively if they aren’t kept off the ground.

If you’re interested in growing cucumbers, try growing them with a cattle panel trellis. You can plant these crops after frost is over. Be sure to provide a location with full sunlight and well-draining soil.

15. Beans

Our final plant, that’s a great option for growing with a cattle panel trellis, is beans. Any type of running bean is a great candidate for a trellis. The reason being is the trellis keeps them off the ground, in a single location, and makes for an easier harvest.

Be sure you don’t plant beans until after all threat of frost is over. They thrive in full sunlight and well-draining soil that’s high in nutrients. Take all of this into consideration when planting this crop.

You now know how to use a cattle panel trellis in your garden, and you know the different methods to stabilize this style of support.

Plus, there are many plants that are great candidates for utilizing this style of trellis. If you need a garden trellis that’s budget-friendly and durable don’t overlook cattle panels.

More About a Cattle Panel Trellis

https://video.okstate.edu/media/Tomato+Trellising+with+Cattle+Panels/1_trmq31ao

https://plantvillage.psu.edu/posts/5048-cucumber-how-to-grow-cucumber-vertically

15 Things You Can Grow with a Cattle Panel Trellis - Gardening Channel (3)

Related

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including the concepts mentioned in this article. Here's some information related to the concepts used in the article:

Cattle Panel Trellis:

A cattle panel trellis is a type of trellis made from cattle panels, which are sturdy wire mesh panels typically used for livestock fencing. They can be repurposed in the garden as a trellis for supporting climbing plants. Cattle panel trellises are popular because they are durable, versatile, and relatively inexpensive.

To stabilize a cattle panel trellis, the article suggests two methods:

  1. Using Wooden Posts: This method is suitable for a permanent growing setup. It involves placing two wooden posts in the ground and screwing the cattle panel to the posts. This provides stability for the trellis and allows plants to grow vertically up the trellis.

  2. Using Plastic Fence Posts: This method is less permanent and is suitable for gardens that change from year to year. Plastic fence posts are placed in the ground, and the cattle panel is angled in a lean-to position, with the top hooked onto the fence posts. This provides stability for the trellis, and at the end of the season, the fence posts and cattle panel can be easily removed and stored until the next growing season.

Plants That Work Best Using a Cattle Panel Trellis:

The article mentions several plants that thrive when provided with a cattle panel trellis. Here are some examples:

  1. Mandevilla: Mandevilla is a climbing flower that is hardy in planting zones nine through eleven. It requires full sunlight and well-draining soil [[1]].

  2. Nasturtium: Nasturtium is an annual flowering plant that reseeds easily. It grows well in planting zones two through eleven and prefers full sunlight [[2]].

  3. Petunias: Petunias are colorful flowers that can be grown using various methods. They are hardy in planting zones ten and eleven and require ample sunlight and well-draining soil [[3]].

  4. Sweet Pea: Sweet pea is a flower that prefers cooler temperatures and is hardy in planting zones two through eleven. It should be planted in early spring and requires full to partial sunlight [[4]].

  5. Climbing Roses: Climbing roses can be grown on a permanent cattle panel trellis. The specific growing conditions and needs of climbing roses can vary based on the variety chosen [[5]].

  6. Clematis: Clematis is a perennial plant that is hardy in planting zones four through nine. It requires full sunlight and well-draining soil that is consistently damp [[6]].

  7. Wisteria: Wisteria is a blooming perennial plant that can be grown around a cattle panel arbor. It is hardy in planting zones five through nine and needs full to partial sunlight and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil [[7]].

  8. Morning Glory: Morning glories are annual flowers that self-sow easily and can return for many years. They thrive in planting zones three through ten and require full sun and well-draining soil [[8]].

  9. Black-eyed Susan Vine: The black-eyed Susan vine is a perennial in planting zones ten and eleven but can be enjoyed as an annual in other locations. It prefers well-draining soil and morning sun, with afternoon shade in warmer climates [[9]].

  10. Gourds: Gourds are plants that can become invasive if not grown carefully. They prefer full sunlight and well-draining soil. A cattle panel trellis is a suitable option for supporting gourds due to its sturdiness [[10]].

These are just a few examples of plants that can be grown using a cattle panel trellis. The specific requirements for each plant may vary, so it's important to consider factors such as planting zones, sunlight, and soil conditions when selecting plants for your garden.

I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

15 Things You Can Grow with a Cattle Panel Trellis - Gardening Channel (2024)

FAQs

What can I grow on a cattle panel trellis? ›

Grow tomatoes, pole beans, cucumbers or any other vertical plant or vine with this trellis. It's more permanent and should last several years. Make sure to rotate your crops annually, and mix either compost or other amendments into your soil before each planting.

What is easy to grow on a trellis? ›

Growing Beans and Peas on Trellises

Naturally climbing plants such as snap peas and pole beans do really well on the trellises as well. Long beans are stunning visually because they hang down through the trellis.

Can you use cattle panels for tomatoes? ›

Welded wire “cattle panels” make great tomato trellises.

Which direction should trellis face? ›

Another question I get asked a lot is about the orientation of the trellises. Any structure is going to block sun, but if you run trellises north to south, they block it less.

What's the easiest vegetable to grow in a garden? ›

  • Easiest vegetables to grow. ...
  • Leafy greens. ...
  • Root vegetables: Radishes, turnips and carrots. ...
  • Did you know? ...
  • Cucumbers. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Peas/Snow Peas. ...
  • Strawberries. Everyone wants to grow their own strawberries, and nothing is more deliscious than one straight from your patio or backyard.

What is the best trellis for cucumbers and squash? ›

String Trellis

Trellises do not need to be complicated or expensive. A simple string trellis made of twine or jute strung between two posts provides all the support a cucumber needs to climb.

What vegetables are good for vertical gardening? ›

What foods can I grow in a vertical garden?
VegetablesBeans, Carrots, Cucumbers (miniature), Eggplant (miniature), Garlic, Onions (miniature), Peppers (compact varieties), Tomatoes (cascading / patio)
FruitsMuskemelon (midget), Strawberries
3 more rows

Can you grow tomatoes on a cattle panel trellis? ›

I grow 7 tomato plants along each 12' side, setting the panel about 1/3 of the way into the bed, and planting the tomatoes along the narrower outer edge. The roots and branches will spread back into the bed, but I have enough room along the other side of the bed for a row crop of bush beans or broccoli.

What can I grow on a fence line? ›

Another classic choice for fence lines and gardens besides hedges like boxwood plants and arborvitae are rose bushes. And both make me think of an English garden, but that is beside the point! Hedge roses create a colorful living fence that is perfect for defining spaces and separating garden areas.

Will cattle panels hold pigs? ›

If you choose the wrong type of panel for your livestock — say, cattle panels for your sheep, goats, or pigs — you would run the risk of your animals becoming trapped or injured, or even escaping from your farm or ranch entirely.

What is the use of cattle panel in the garden? ›

Cattle panels, available online and at farm supply stores, are a simple, affordable way to keep plants off the ground and away from foraging critters and soil-borne diseases. Many favorite vegetable plants — such as tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peas, melons, and squash — need a little help standing tall.

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