Substantial trellis support is needed for several crops in the garden. This includes tomatoes, peas,...
Substantial trellis support is needed for several crops in the garden. This includes tomatoes, peas, pole beans, cucumbers, tomatillo and pepper. There are 200 feet of 8 double row beds for tomatoes.
I really need to decide on the material. My favorite methods may be too expensive.
Here is a spiral trellis. They are spiral wire stakes with one end in the ground and the other supported by a wire running the length of the row. The wires require a fence post every 10 feet to prevent the plants from swaying with the wind. Suckers are pruned so that only the main vine grows producing a very compact form. Weeding and fertilizer applications and harvesting is very easy. But 200 stakes are needed and at least 42 steel fence posts. Ugh. That is $500 just for tomatoes.
Another method uses fence posts (or some rigid stake) along each row. Jute twine is then woven between plants and stakes. As plants grow another line of twine is added above the last. Often, wooden stakes are mixed with more rigid fence posts. Wood stakes are placed every 2 or 3 plants. This calls for 32 fence posts and 42 wood stakes. Hmmm.
Peppers and tomatillos will be easy. Flat fence panels supported with stakes driven into the ground will work great. Panels are 4 feet wide, have nice big holes for weeding and grooming and support plants about 1 foot off the ground.
Peas and beans remain. I am thinking of a plastic mesh folded over a tall wire supported with tall fence posts (6′ above ground +2′ below = 8′ posts). I have seen beans grow 6 feet tall. Beans will be planted on top of the peas’ dying vines. Ideally, the beans will be 1 foot tall just as the peas begin to fade from summer’s heat. A single post for two rows of peas with mesh staked down with each row and both pieces of mesh secured to one wire. (a long tee pee). I am concerned about wind load and my inexperience growing so many peas.
After the blackberries have been in the ground for 1 year they will need a trellis. Everything in its own time.
People are hungry in Edmond, Oklahoma. It is our hope to provide a source of nutritious fresh food by serving local food banks.
The garden sits in the bottom of Chisholm Creek and shows great promise with great top soil and a nice flat 1/2 acre for cultivation.
Over a long and lucky life I have accumulated a lot...
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People are hungry in Edmond, Oklahoma. There were times as a child that I was hungry. People don't get enough fresh vegetables. It is my hope to provide a source of nutritious fresh food to my community of local food banks, kitchens, friends and family.
The garden sits in the bottom land of Chisholm Creek and has great top soil and a nice flat 1/2 acre for cultivation. We have added a water well, irrigation and electricity.
The setting is my favorite reason to garden here. The old elm tree shades a nice sitting area from which to view the garden and the rich nature that comes and goes in the bottom.
Over a long and lucky life I have accumulated a lot...
Even in prosperous Edmond, food banks do a steady business serving the poor. Most efforts are operated by volunteers. They almost always need help. Please give cash or volunteer.
Great examples:
Regional Food Bank: where you can donate or volunteer.
Other Options, Inc. in OKC
Project66 Community Food Pantry in Edmond