DIY Recycled Trellis

Chain Link Fencing

• Use old chain link fencing to create a trellis for your vegetable or flower garden. Look for chain link fencing in junk yards or at auction; friends and family members who are removing or replacing fencing on their property are another option. Chain link fencing features wires in small diagonal patterns that vines can easily attach to; the fence also works well if you do not want your trellis to show through or you want to create dense foliage that hides an unsightly wall or functional object on your property. The lightweight nature of a chain link trellis enables you to easily use it in a stand-alone manner, though you will have to bury the bottom portion of the trellis.

Sliding Glass Door Grill

• Reclaim a grill from a sliding glass door as a garden trellis. You can lean the trellis up against a wall or porch railing, though you will probably have to bury a portion of the trellis so it will not fall over. Paint the trellis if desired, as it is considerably wider than a chain link fence and will be visible despite creeping vines and plants. Use one solid color or make patterns and designs with different hues.

Ladders

• Use old ladders to create trellises, but stick to thinner wooden ladders as opposed to clunky metal versions if possible, so vines and plants can easily attach themselves. Small wooden ladders from old bunk beds are one option, as are any child-size ladders. Bury the ladder one or two rungs down to make a free-standing trellis or lean it against your home or porch railing. Paint the ladder if desired.

Mattress and Futon Frames

• Use old futon and mattress frames to create large trellises; set up futon frames in an upside down "V" in your flower or vegetable garden. Metal mattress spring frames can be unscrewed from old bed frames you would otherwise throw out and used as trellises; these will be less visible trellis frames than futon frames would be. As with other trellises, you will have to bury a bottom portion of the trellis for garden use.