How to Build a Trellis for Black Raspberries

The black raspberry is a perennial plant from the rose family that will produce abundant fruit if properly planted and trellised. The canes can grow up to eight feet, so a trellis will help to keep the berries off the ground, and will make them easier to pick. According to David T. Handley at the University of Maine, if you are planting more than one bush, the "T" trellis is effective at training the canes to grow horizontally. Each of the two finished "T" posts will measure 6 feet tall and 3.5 feet wide.

Measuring tape
Wood saw
2 wooden garden stakes, 4 feet long
2 wooden garden stakes, 6 feet long
Hammer
6 Nails
Trowel
Wire
Wire cutter
Twine
Scissors
2 metal spikes

Instructions

- 1
  Cut 6 inches off the pointed end of each 4-foot stake, using a wood saw. These 3 1/2-foot posts will form the cross pieces of each "T" post.
- 2
  Lay a 6-foot stake on the ground. Lay one 3 1/2-foot cross piece over the 6-foot stake, at a distance of 5 1/2 feet from the pointed end, forming a "T." Center the cross piece.
- 3
  Attach the 3 1/2-foot cross piece to the 6-foot stake, using three nails and a hammer. Repeat for the second "T" post.
- 4
  Dig a hole, 2 feet deep, at each end of the row, using the trowel. Each hole should be approximately 6 inches from the base of the raspberry plants. The holes should be the same width as the wooden stakes. Place one wooden "T" post in each hole. Pack soil around each post to secure it in the ground.
- 5
  Cut two lengths of wire that are 1 foot longer than the distance between your two "T" posts. The total length of the wire will depend on how many raspberry plants you have between the "T" posts.
- 6
  Twist one end of the cut wire around one arm of the cross piece on the first "T" post. Stretch the wire taut and attach to the other arm of the corresponding cross piece on the second "T" post. Twist each side tightly to secure the wire. Repeat on the other side.
- 7
  Cut two lengths of twine, 5 1/2 feet each. Wrap one piece of twine around the intersection of one "T" post and knot the twine securely. Tie the other end of the twine to a metal spike. Repeat for the second "T" post.
- 8
  Insert each spike into the ground to anchor each "T" post at a distance of approximately 3 1/2 feet.

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