Grapevines are actually part of the liana family. This means that while they’re famous for growing tall and spreading out fast, they’re not exactly self-supporting—they need a little something to hold onto. Whether you’re planting your vines directly in the garden or keeping them in containers, a sturdy trellis or support system is a must-have.
Why Your Grapevines Need a Helping Hand
Technically, a grapevine can grow without a trellis, but it’s just going to crawl along the ground. If you want those beautiful, vertical vines and easy-to-reach fruit, you’ve got to give them a lift. A proper support system allows the vine’s tendrils to grab hold, guiding the plant upward so it can soak up the sun and stay healthy.
Choosing the Right Trellis for Your Vines
When it comes to picking the right support, it all comes down to location. Depending on where you’ve planted your grapes, you’ll generally choose between two styles:
- Freestanding trellises
- Wall-mounted or railing-mounted trellises
Freestanding Supports
If you’re growing your grapes in the middle of the garden or in a large pot, a freestanding trellis is your best bet. These are simply anchored into the soil or the container, giving the shoots a clear path to climb.
One pro-tip: make sure your freestanding trellis is rock-solid. You don’t want a heavy gust of wind toppling the whole thing over, which could seriously damage your vine’s main trunk.
Wall and Balcony Supports
If you’ve got your vines on a balcony or right up against the house, you can use the structure of your home to your advantage. You can mount a trellis directly to the exterior wall or even secure it to a sturdy balcony railing. This setup is usually incredibly stable and can handle those windier days without a problem.
DIY: Building Your Own Trellis
You can find plenty of ready-made trellises in all shapes and sizes at your local garden center. But, if you’re feeling a bit handy, building your own is a fun weekend project! You’ll just need some sturdy wooden posts or slats, spacers, and some heavy-duty trellis wire.
I recommend using specialized trellis wire—it’s thicker and more durable than your standard garden wire. You can also use thinner “staple wire” or garden ties to gently secure any stray shoots, keeping everything looking neat and preventing the heavy fruit from pulling the vines down.
