Got some old chain-link fencing around? Recycle it as a vertical garden support for pole beans, peas, or cucumbers.
You will need these materials: 3 fence posts. 4 end attachments from your fencing. Concrete reinforcement mesh (available at any Home Depot or Lowes) Medium gauge wire (to tie the mesh onto the fence posts)
You will need these tools: Hacksaw Drill Wire cutters
Steps: 1.Cut the fence poles to the desired height and add at least 1 ft 6 in ( .5 m ) to the overall length to stick into the ground for support.
2. Cut a third pole to the desired width.
3. Use the bolt and nut that came with your fencing to screw the end attachments together to create a 90 degree shape (see corner attachment photo to see what this looks like).
4. Screw the end attachments to one end of your vertical supports and both ends of your horizontal supports. You now have a 3-sided frame!
5. Cut the concrete reinforcement mesh to fit just inside the fencing frame. Make sure to cut the mesh ends flush so that you don't get scratched by the sharp wire edges.
6. Drill a 2 holes in the vertical fencing supports. These will be used to hold the wire in place to attach the mesh. Drill the first hole about halfway down and the second hole just below the bottom corner of the mesh.
7. Use medium gauge wire to tie the mesh to the fencing frame on the top and sides. Use the holes on the sides to keep the wire from sliding up. See photos for details.
8. Stick the poles in the ground and plant your seeds at the base. You may need to train or tie your plants to the mesh to get them on the right track.Got some old chain-link fencing around? Recycle it as a vertical garden support for pole beans, peas, or cucumbers.
You will need these materials: 3 fence posts. 4 end attachments from your fencing. Concrete reinforcement mesh (available at any Home Depot or Lowes) Medium gauge wire (to tie the mesh onto the fence posts)
Old chain link fence, concrete reinforcement mesh, wire, bolt and nut.
What was your inspiration?
We had to tear out some old chain link fencing from our property when we installed a new fence a few years ago. We decided to keep the old fence posts are re-use them for vertical garden supports.
What are you most proud of?
This support is pretty sturdy and can withstand a lot of wind. I also love that it's so easy to see the beans on this support.
So far, we've managed to grow peas, pole beans and cucumbers on this support.
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
Think outside the box! Many different kinds of meshing can be used including concrete mesh, rabbit fencing, chain-link fencing, or even fishing line.
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