Fencing for Trellis
 

This is my first year growing tomatoes and I'm wondering if it would it be possible to receive some feedback on my tomato trellis idea.

I need to make a trellis for my tomatoes which are growing down the center of a 1X4X9' raised bed. There are five plants which I plan to prune to 3 or 4 stems.

My idea is to build a 6 ft high frame down the center of the bed using 1X3" lumber. I would then attach welded wire fencing (like this: [URL="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-ft-x-50-ft-14-Gauge-Galvanized-Steel-Welded-Wire-308302HD/204322262"]THIS[/URL]) to the frame, about 1.5 ft above the ground. The fence is only 4' high, so there would also be a gap below the top of the frame. Would I be able to weave the tomato stems through this fencing without damaging the stems? The openings are 4" high by 2" wide.

I know that folks often recommend using cattle panels here, but since I will also need fencing for peas, the rolled fencing is a more affordable option.

I hope my description makes sense! Thanks in advance for any feedback.

It looks fine to me.

I've been using concrete remesh panels. They are not galvanized, but they are cheap. An 8' by 15' panel is $14.50 - I cut them in half to make two 4x15 panels.

I use what they call pasture fence or what ever the heck it is.
The holes are much bigger.
You're going to need to get your hand through it at some point.
This is not welded wire fence but something you would use to keep hogs and goats in.
Worth

Thanks. Where do you find the concrete mesh panels, Cole_Robbie?

Worth-I think the pasture panels that you are talking about are what I saw at Lowe's. They call them Cattle Panels there. They are 4x16' for $28, so more expensive than the rolled fencing. I was hoping to save a little $$.

If I can walk around the bed, then maybe I won't have to stick my hand through the fence?

[QUOTE=SarahBeth;641497]Thanks. Where do you find the concrete mesh panels, Cole_Robbie?

Worth-I think the pasture panels that you are talking about are what I saw at Lowe's. They call them Cattle Panels there. They are 4x16' for $28, so more expensive than the rolled fencing. I was hoping to save a little $$.

If I can walk around the bed, then maybe I won't have to stick my hand through the fence?[/QUOTE]

No this stuff comes in roles not panels.
Field netting or fencing may be the term.
It is cheaper than the welded wire stuff by the foot.

Worth, where do you buy it?

[QUOTE=SarahBeth;641503]Worth, where do you buy it?[/QUOTE]
I will have to look tractor supply and maybe the big box stores.
I am on my computer now and not the phone let me look.

Here is some at home depot.
Just look up field fence and you will find all kinds of it.
I find mine on the side of the road most of the time rolled up and discarded.
[url]https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjZ8pzE2ITUAhXXusAKHRr2CMAYABAWGgJpbQ&sig=AOD64_1_QF8m1PFe0GZedJSdaTjS1ziMmg&ctype=46&q=&ved=0ahUKEwiXk5XE2ITUAhWf3oMKHS0lAXgQzTkIMg&adurl=[/url]

Worth

[IMG]http://www.hightensilefence.org/img/low-carbon-field-fence.jpg[/IMG]

Yes, the 2x4 field fencing works. This volunteer Texas Wild Cherry plant is growing on it just fine.

[QUOTE=SarahBeth;641497]Thanks. Where do you find the concrete mesh panels, Cole_Robbie?[/QUOTE]

There is a lumber yard in my area that happens to have a very low, almost free, delivery fee, which is a big bonus because I don't have a trailer to haul them. Yesterday at Lowe's, I saw they had smaller panels, 3x7 I think, but they wanted $8 for them, which is a lot more than what I pay.

This reminds me I have two or three of those monster cow panels on the back of the property where the horse barn was.
perfect for operation cucumber melon. :yes:

Worth