What is trellising and what are its advantages?

Trellis cultivation saves spaceTrellised cultivation allows you to save space

Image – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

One way to make better use of the available space is by trellising. This is a method that has multiple advantages, including a lower risk of fungal infections, and easier plant maintenance.

But is it suitable for any type of crops or only for a few? If you want to know more about trellising, then I will tell you everything you need on this interesting topic.

History of trellis cultivation

Trellising plants has been around for a long time. Already in the Europe of the Middle Ages it was customary to grow mainly trees to decorate the walls. Although it is believed that it is a technique that could be even older: from Ancient Egypt. Even so, if we want to see how it was perfected, I can’t think of a better place than to visit any French formal garden, in which geometric shapes, order and control over plants are key protagonists.

The use of space is a characteristic that stands out when it is grown on a trellis. And that is something that traditional gardeners know very well: planting in rows and cultivating them in two dimensions, pruning them so that the branches grow only to two sides, their maintenance is easier. In addition, the labor and time that must be dedicated to each of the plants is reduced, since they are not so vulnerable to pests and diseases.

What are its advantages?

Trellis cultivation saves spaceTrellised cultivation allows you to save space

Image – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Although I have already mentioned a few, it is time to talk carefully about its advantages:

  • A greater number of plants are grown in the same space: When grown in two dimensions, they take up less space, so it is possible to plant more.
  • Better circulates the air between leaves / branches: this is very important, because thanks to it the risk of infections is reduced. And you have to think that microorganisms, such as fungi, proliferate in areas with little ventilation, so if a plant is sufficiently ventilated, it is not as vulnerable as would be expected.
  • The plant grows more vigorously: This is due to the fact that as all its parts are exposed to the sun’s rays, the leaves can carry out photosynthesis at the same speed, thus producing starches and sugars that are then used for their growth.
  • The fruits have a good development: by being exposed to the Sun, it is possible to consume fruits of a better quality.
  • Pruning is facilitated: once the plants are formed, all you have to do is prune them to maintain them.
  • Pests, diseases and / or other problems are identified faster: thanks to pruning, having the plants in two dimensions makes it easier to identify possible problems.
  • It is usually not necessary to replace the trellis mesh: they are made of materials that are highly resistant to climatic factors, so you only have to buy them once.

Types of trellis

There are different ways of growing on a trellis, which are:

Cord

A lot is done when vine growing, for example in espalier. It consists of pruning the plant leaving it a main trunk, and orienting two branches horizontally. In this way, both the production and the harvest are very interesting.

Horizontal

It is one in which branches grow horizontally. It is not complicated, since all you have to do is ensure that the plants have branches whose development is straight, to one side.

Cane

To grow in palmettes you must prune the plants so that their branches fan outas palm trees do for example.

Of this type there are different varieties, among which the following are distinguished:

  • Simple: branches sprout horizontally from a trunk.
  • Double: it is a trunk from which two vertical branches spring together, and from which other horizontal ones sprout.
  • Diablo: two main branches sprout from a trunk, and from them other secondary ones.
  • Glass blower: a minimum of four branches sprout from the trunk forming a U.

What plants can be grown on a trellis?

The vine can be grown on a trellisThe vine can be grown on a trellis

Image – Wikimedia / LBM1948

Not all are appropriate; in fact, only woody varieties that tolerate pruning are recommended, and if possible they are dwarf varieties (although this is not essential if the above is true). For example, fruit trees of the genus Prunus (peach, cherry, apricot, etc.) are not advisable, since when they are pruned they lose a lot of sap.

On the other hand, you can grow: almost any ornamental shrub (Pyracantha, Cotoneaster, Photinia, Hydrangea, rose bushes, …); or even fruit trees and orchards (vine, almond, tomato, peppers, pistachios, …).

As you can see, there are many plants that can be grown on a trellis.

Where to buy trellis mesh?

If you dare to grow on a trellis, here is a selection of meshes so that you can choose the one that interests you the most:

DUMGRN Trellis Nets,...DUMGRN Trellis Nets,...

DUMGRN Trellis Nets,…

  • STRONG SUPPORT FOR GROWING PLANTS: Stretch mesh provides a sturdy support structure that effortlessly supports the weight of your precious stems, leaves, buds, fruits and flowers.
  • Stretch Mesh: It is made of stretchy material. Durable mesh provides adjustable elastic support.
  • The product is suitable for growing plants in tents. Long service life and very durable. Easy to use, professional and very practical.

Alpinestars back...Alpinestars back...

Back Protection...Back Protection...

Back Protection…

  • ● High-quality material: The product adopts thick PE shell and shock-absorbing foam material, which has good shock resistance; Shock absorbing foam pad provides better back protection
  • ● Movable waist: The waist is movable, flexible and convenient, and the abdomen has a large area of ​​high-quality Velcro, which has super strong adhesive force and can be adjusted according to your actual situation.
  • ● Comprehensive protection: Combined with the characteristics of motorcycle sports, it adapts to the riding trajectory of the human body, withstands high-strength impacts, and has a protective cover of PP + splicing shock-absorbing foam “special protection for the spine and the kidneys”

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What is trellising and what are its advantages?

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