Grow Perfect Tomatoes with This PVC Trellis

25.6K
2.6K
383
2025-10-19
Grow Perfect Tomatoes with This PVC Trellis
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Skill Level: Beginner

A couple of connector pieces and lengths of pipe come together in this project to create a simple polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe arbor that fits over a raised bed. Netting covers the outside to prevent insects and animals from harming the fruits and veggies that you worked so hard to grow all season. The best part? You can easily disassemble this DIY trellis and store it for later use.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 Rubber mallet
  • 1 Chop saw

Materials

  • 6 ½" PVC pipe cut to 48"
  • 3 ½" PVC pipe cut to 43"
  • 4 ½" PVC pipe cut to 33"
  • 3 ½" PVC pipe cut to 80"
  • 6 1" PVC pipe cut to 12"
  • 10 ½" PVC T connectors
  • 2 ½" PVC cross connectors
  • 1 Bird- or deer-deterrent mesh
  • 1 Zip ties

Instructions

  1. Add Anchoring Pipes

    Use a rubber mallet to hammer the 12" PVC pipes into the soil of the raised bed. There should be a pipe in each corner of the raised bed, as well as centered between the corners of the two long sides. You can add more or fewer pairs of anchoring pipes based on the size of your raised bed. If you add more, you will need more PVC pipes, cross connectors, and T connectors.

  2. Add Side Pipes

    Stick the 48" pieces of ½" PVC into the 12" anchoring pipes. Push them in as far as possible to ensure the structure will be stable.

  3. Add Connector Joints

    At the top of each corner PVC pipe, secure a T connector. Add a joint connector piece, then add another T connector on top. Have the open joints face opposite corners.

    On the middle anchor PVC pipes, add a cross connector. Add a joint connector piece, then add a T connector on top of the cross connector, with the open joint facing into the raised bed.

  4. Create Bottom Framework

    Using the 43" pieces of PVC, connect the support pipes along the narrow ends. Also insert a 43" piece of PVC in the T connectors (the ones on top of the cross connectors). Use the 33" pieces of PVC to connect from the corner stakes to the center cross pieces, creating the main framework for the arched top.

  5. Create Arches

    Take the 80" pieces of PVC pipe, and insert one into one of the T connectors. Arch it over the narrow length of the structure and insert it into the opposite T connector. Continue until you have three arches in a row.

  6. Secure Netting

    Drape the netting over the arch, making sure the mesh reaches the ground. Secure with zip ties along the arch and just below the connectors, pulling taught before securing. At the bottom of the structure, cut the mesh at the joints up to the connectors to allow a flap to lift open for harvest.

Related Article

How to Make a Spherical Hanging Basket in Just 20 Minutes
30.4K
3K
1.3K

How to Make a Spherical Hanging Basket in Just 20 Minutes

Create a sphere hanging basket to show off your flowers in just 20 minutes with these easy instructions.
How to Make an Adorable Well for Your Fairy Garden
6.8K
547
175

How to Make an Adorable Well for Your Fairy Garden

Add a touch of charm to your fairy garden with this DIY well, complete with a tiny basket. Follow these step-by-step directions and images to make your minature fairy well magical.
Easy 4-Step DIY Paver Planter Box
40.2K
2.4K
626

Easy 4-Step DIY Paver Planter Box

Skip the store-bought concrete containers and instead make your own with this easy DIY planter roject.
What Is an Olla Pot? Plus 10 Tips for Efficiently Watering Plants with It
1.4K
67
22

What Is an Olla Pot? Plus 10 Tips for Efficiently Watering Plants with It

Olla pots simplify plant watering and reduce water waste. Here's how to make a DIY olla pot and 10 tips for using it for efficient watering.
Got Lots of Dandelions? Here's What Your Lawn Is Trying to Tell You
20K
1K
230

Got Lots of Dandelions? Here's What Your Lawn Is Trying to Tell You

Dandelions will quickly take over a lawn that needs help. Learn how to discourage them from taking root with these lawn care tips.
5 Smart Tips for Protecting Shrubs from Winter Damage
34.8K
347
170

5 Smart Tips for Protecting Shrubs from Winter Damage

Help your shrubs survive the winter with these tips on how to protect them from damage due to harsh weather and hungry critters.
Yes, You Can Grow Magnolia Trees in Pots—Here’s How to Succeed
25.2K
1.8K
776

Yes, You Can Grow Magnolia Trees in Pots—Here’s How to Succeed

With a big planter and a small variety, here’s how to grow a magnolia in a pot.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia
43.4K
3.5K
346

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Top Plants for Florida Landscaping and Gardens
30.2K
2.7K
679

Top Plants for Florida Landscaping and Gardens

The tropical environment means top plants for Florida will thrive and grow, adding lush, green bulbs, trees and perennials to landscapes and gardens.
15 Super Plants for Texas Landscapes
43.8K
3.9K
1.2K

15 Super Plants for Texas Landscapes

These plants are superstars in Texas gardens and landscapes. Experts recommend them for their ability to thrive in south-central climates.
How to Plant and Grow Purple Poppy Mallow
31.3K
625
100

How to Plant and Grow Purple Poppy Mallow

Also called winecup, purple poppy mallow thrives in sunny spots.
How Long Does It Take for Sunflowers to Grow from Seed?
3.7K
295
112

How Long Does It Take for Sunflowers to Grow from Seed?

How long does it take for sunflowers to grow from seed? It varies. This guide covers harvest times for microgreens, cut flowers, and edible seeds.
How to Build a Broken Brick Patio
30K
1.2K
323

How to Build a Broken Brick Patio

With simple tools and no masonry experience, you can turn a pile of old broken bricks into a handsome patio or garden path.
How to Grow and Care for a Coffee Plant Indoors
21K
840
386

How to Grow and Care for a Coffee Plant Indoors

Learn how to grow a coffee plant indoors, including tips on light, humidity, watering, and pot size. This houseplant will add a tropical touch to your home with its glossy green leaves.
Should You Use Japanese Beetle Traps? Here’s What Experts Say
8.6K
516
87

Should You Use Japanese Beetle Traps? Here’s What Experts Say

When used incorrectly, Japanese beetle traps can make your garden worse. Learn other ways to keep these pests away.
How to Grow Ginger Root Indoors in 4 Simple Steps
33.6K
1.7K
521

How to Grow Ginger Root Indoors in 4 Simple Steps

Use this guide to grow a ginger root into a new plant and harvest more ginger.
10 Best Tomato Companion Plants to Grow
26.7K
2.1K
1K

10 Best Tomato Companion Plants to Grow

Keep tomato hornworms and other common tomato pests away with the help of companion planting. From basil to sunflowers, these top tomato companion plants include herbs, vegetables, and flowers that help discourage pests.
Brighten Up Small Spaces with This Corner of Perennials Garden Plan
43.3K
1.3K
182

Brighten Up Small Spaces with This Corner of Perennials Garden Plan

Create a colorful nook with this corner of perennials garden plan, which includes a simple arrangement of easy-care, flowering plants.
What is a Sensory Garden? Plus 3 Expert Tips on How to Create One
29.5K
295
144

What is a Sensory Garden? Plus 3 Expert Tips on How to Create One

Plant a garden that engages your five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste). This explains what a sensory garden is and provides tips for creating your own.
Grow Perfect Tomatoes with This PVC Trellis
25.6K
2.6K
383

Grow Perfect Tomatoes with This PVC Trellis

Protect your homegrown produce and learn how to make an arbor made with PVC pipes. This easy project is much less expensive than store-bought options!