Wooden lattice

More Alternatives

Wooden lattice panels, their base deeply embedded in the soil for solid footing, provide an attractive support. Small pea tendrils cannot wrap around it, so place netting in front of the trellis.

Wire or nylon mesh

Wire or nylon mesh with 4-inch openings allows for easy picking of peas, which in this garden are followed by tomatoes.

Freestanding teepee

Build a freestanding tepee sturdy enough to hold several vines. Anchor it firmly in the ground to stand up to strong winds. It should be 8 to 10 feet tall.

There are two types of tomato plants. Determinate types grow only about 4 feet tall and stop. They don't need a tall trellis. A sturdy wire cage suits them fine. They also do well in containers with attached supports.

Indeterminate types will grow as high as 20 feet if you let them. Make a 6-to-8-foot support for them -- whatever is within maximum reach -- and clip off the tips of the main stems when they reach that height. This promotes subsidiary branching and more production.