How to Make a Vine Patio Shade

Decide where you want the vine in relation to your patio. If you want the vine shade only on one or two sides of the patio, install a trellis on the sides for the vines to climb. If you want the vine to provide shade over the top of your patio, build a pergola over it. Use durable building materials such as copper, aluminum, redwood, cedar or pressure-treated wood. Securely anchor the bottom of each supporting post of the trellis or pergola, because vines can become quite heavy as they grow. If you live in an apartment and are not allowed to modify the structure of your building, build or buy a planter trellis box that can be moved.

Choose a vine appropriate for your climate and the location where it will grow on your patio. Will it have southern or northern exposure? Do you live in the subtropics in Florida or in a colder place like Michigan? Also consider the climbing structure when choosing your vine. For example, heavier vines such as wisteria need a higher, sturdier structure than a trellis planter can provide. Take into account how much shade you want and whether you want the vine to flower or produce berries. Vines that twine or use tendrils to attach to supports are best suited for patio shades. Consult your local nursery staff who can suggest the best vines for your situation and preferences.

Plant the vine in early spring at the base of the climbing structure. Vines planted in trellis planter boxes can be planted any time of the year. Plant the vine in well drained soil and at a depth appropriate for the species you have chosen. Again, your local nursery staff can provide good advice on the growing medium and planting method.

Train the vines onto the climbing structure as it grows. Check it every day or so and guide the new growth up the climbing structure. If the climbing structure is much higher than the vine can reach when it is young, anchor string or galvanized wires in the soil next to the vine and stretch it to the climbing structure to guide the vines to it. Loosely tie the new growth of the vine to the climbing structure with garden twine.

Water the vine often. Most climbing vines need frequent watering, so don’t let the soil dry completely between waterings.

Train the vines away from trees, shrubs or other structures as it grows. Vines can choke out trees and shrubs. They can also damage garden walls, houses and sheds if they get established on them. Control the vine with frequent pruning during the growing season as it gets older. Wait until winter for substantial pruning.

Allow the vine to grow at least one or two years before it begins to provide maximum shade to your patio. If the vine grows poorly, fertilize it in early spring with a cup of 5-10-5 fertilizer worked well into the soil at its base. If the lower area of the vine is sparse, pinch off the top growing points to encourage lower growth.