Trellis plants bring a fresh dimension to any outdoor space. Instead of spreading across the ground, these climbers reach upward, filling vertical gaps with greenery, flowers, or even vegetables.
They make small gardens feel larger, add privacy, and turn plain fences into living walls.
If you’ve ever wondered how to grow trellis plants, the process is easier than you might think. All it takes is the right choices and a little care.
Choosing the Right Climbers
Not all climbing plants behave the same way, so picking the right one makes your job much simpler.
Annual climbers like morning glories and sweet peas grow quickly and reward you with vibrant flowers, while everlasting climbers like clematis or climbing roses give you lasting beauty year after year.
If you’d rather grow food, beans and cucumbers thrive when given a trellis to climb.
Also, think about sunlight, soil, and how much space you want to cover. The right match ensures healthy growth and a thriving display.
Setting Up the Trellis
Your trellis can be wood, metal, netting, or even an archway, but it needs to be sturdy. A flimsy frame won’t hold up once your plants start climbing.
Place the trellis where it gets enough light for the type of plant you’re growing, and anchor it securely in the soil. Most of them need sunlight and PM shade.
Before planting, loosen the ground around the base and enrich it with compost or organic matter. Healthy soil is the foundation for healthy plants.
Training Plants to Climb
Here’s where the fun begins. After planting near the base, gently guide the stems or vines toward the trellis.

Some plants twine around the support naturally, while others may need clips or garden ties until they catch on. It’s also important to stay consistent and check in every few days to adjust their direction if needed.
Once you learn how to grow trellis plants successfully, you’ll see how quickly they transform from small sprouts into structured, living walls.
Keeping Growth in Check
Regular care makes all the difference in a climbing garden. Water deeply at the roots instead of just misting the leaves, and feed with a balanced fertilizer to encourage blooms or fruit.
Prune regularly to prevent tangling and to keep plants from overwhelming each other. Inspect the trellis occasionally to make sure nothing is pulling it out of place.
Some climbers thrive from getting a yearly trim, after they’re done blooming, so research your climber and see if that’s what it likes.
Growing Upward – A Garden That Inspires
Once you understand how to grow trellis plants, you unlock a whole new world in your garden. With the right plants, a sturdy structure, and steady care, you can turn unused vertical space into a stunning piece of living decor.
Consider adding a birdhouse, birdbath, or feeders alongside your trellis plants. This is going to bring even more life to your garden. The presence of birds not only enhances the atmosphere with movement and song but also supports the balance of your garden’s ecosystem.
It’s a simple project that gives beauty and function, no matter the size of your garden.
Bring More Life to Your Garden
Ready to take your garden to the next level? Explore birdhouses, feeders, and unique garden accents at The Birdhouse Chick.
From attracting songbirds to enhancing your outdoor style, you’ll find everything you need to create a vibrant and welcoming space.
Contact us today to start transforming your garden into a lively, inviting retreat!







