Forum home› Tools and techniques

Makeshift trellis

gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
in Tools and techniques
Hello all, so I’ve managed to get some rebar (think that’s what it’s called) to use as a trellis. Would I need to do anything to it before using it? Will the rust effect soil/plants? Many thanks :smile:

Posts

  • MeomyeMeomye Posts: 814
    @gardenman91 It is entirely up to you depending on the look you are going for. You could paint it with a metal paint (some can be painted over rust) or I personally, would leave it, as I like the natural look. These are used quite successfully for trellis, I saw it recently on a gardening programme. Might I ask where you found it?
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    In that case I shall leave it as it is @Meomye, will the rest damage soil or plants as it comes off? I found it at a house undergoing an extension and asked if it was spare, it wasn’t but they still gave me some :smile:
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 8,115
    edited March 2021
    Rust-effect metal supports seem to be all the rage at the moment so you will be at the height of fashion! I can't see it adversely affecting anything except the gardener's hands and clothes while handling it (rust is a so-and-so to get out of fabric).
    Edit: If you fix it to a white/light painted wall or fence, you might get rust stains on that over time, but it should be fine otherwise.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    @JennyJ Thanks for the info regarding rust :smile:
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,818
    I love this stuff!   Been using it for years and years.  It's cheap, almost indestructible and very discreet as it becomes invisible when covered by plants.

    In my last garden in Belgium I attached it to wooden posts in metpost bases.  In this new French garden I have just installed it using rusty columnar supports in concrete boots to make 3 supports for climbers in ornamental beds and a safe pen for our new hens which also has climbers planted up it to provide shade.

    Don't tell OH but I also have plans for more to make filled pergola surround for a new  terraced seating/dining area.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    @Obelixx Your place sounds like heaven! Would love to have chickens!

    What is the best way to attach it to concrete fence posts? If at all? Failing that, could it be put into soil and made sturdy? Without concreting of course 😂 
Sign In or Register to comment.