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Add Vertical Space in the Garden

Add Vertical Space to Your Garden in 15 Seconds!

One of my favorite ways, and one of the most versatile, quick, and inexpensive ways, to quickly add vertical space in the garden is using ladder mesh block. Plants love growing vertically up the repurposed trellis, and it’s easy to install anywhere in the garden. 



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What is Ladder Mesh Block? ​

Ladder mesh block is used in masonry applications when building. It reinforces the horizontal mortar joints of masonry block walls.

The Easiest Way to Add Vertical Space to Your Garden #verticalgardening #gardenhack #gardening

Ladder Mesh Block is Versatile and Easy to Install to Add Vertical Space in the Garden

The Easiest Way to Add Vertical Space in the Garden #verticalgardening #gardenhack #gardening #laddermeshblock

Follow these steps to use ladder mesh block as a trellis in your garden:

  • It is best to put the ladder mesh block in place before planting or at the time of planting so as not to disrupt the plant’s roots.
  • Place one end in the soil next to the climbing plant, and push it into the soil until it is several inches deep. Bury to the first crossbar if possible.
  • Bend the ladder mesh block over and press the other end into the soil approximately 2-3 feet away from where you placed the first end.
  • As the plant grows, help the plant find and climb the ladder mesh block trellis, wrapping the ends around the trellis.
  • At the end of the season, pull out the ladder mesh block and store for later use.
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Tips for adding vertical space to your garden with ladder mesh block

  • Use several ladder mesh block trellises in a row when you have more than one climbing plant.
  • Use multiple trellises next to each other for large plants like cantaloupe or small watermelon varieties.
  • Fasten two together with zip ties for a larger arched trellis.
  • For extra support, place a tent stake over the first crossbar into the soil to hold the buried ladder mesh block in place.
  • Place the ends in neighboring containers to allow plants to climb between the containers. Use several ladder mesh block panels in neighboring containers to make a statement in the garden. 
  • Pay attention when fruits form on plants such as cucumbers and cantaloupe. While the fruits are small, ensure they hang down in the middle of the trellis (not along the outside) for the most support.
  • Spend a little time each day tucking plants in and around the trellis. 
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Which plants grow best on ladder mesh block?

Ladder mesh block trellises provide an excellent trellis for peas, pole beans, asparagus beans, borlotti beans, cucumbers, Armenian cucumbers, cucamelons, cantaloupe, honeydew, mini-watermelons, Malabar spinach, and small vining winter squash such as delicata and mini-Jack pumpkins. 


Are there any plants that don’t grow well on ladder mesh block trellises?

Large vining plants such as luffa, pumpkins, many varieties of winter squash, and most watermelons will quickly overtake a ladder mesh block trellis. Larger types of trellises are much more effective for these types of plants.

Most varieties of tomatoes would be difficult to contain on a ladder mesh block trellis.

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Additional uses for ladder mesh block in the garden

Drape shade cloth over ladder mesh block to shade plants.

Drape shade cloth over ladder mesh block to shade plants.


Use ladder mesh blocks as "hoop supports" for floating row cover for frost or insect protection.

Use ladder mesh blocks as “hoop supports” for floating row cover for frost or insect protection.


Cover them with tulle to protect newly-planted seeds and seedlings from birds.

Cover them with tulle to protect newly-planted seeds and seedlings from birds.


Use vining plants growing on ladder mesh block trellises to shade plants growing underneath.

Use vining plants growing on ladder mesh block trellises to shade plants growing underneath.


Where can I find ladder mesh block?

Ladder mesh block can be found in the building and masonry department of big box home improvement stores for $3-$5 (depending on the width you choose). 


Which size of ladder mesh block is best for adding vertical space?

Ladder mesh block is available in a narrow 2-inch width (shown) and a wider 8-inch width. Both widths are about 10 1/2 feet long. Either size works well; use the size you prefer.

The Easiest Way to Add Vertical Space in the Garden #verticalgardening #gardenhack #gardening


Why add vertical space in the garden?

  • Plants left to sprawl on the ground can attract unwanted pests and diseases
  • More pollinators, sunlight, and air reach plants when gardening vertically.


Vertical Gardening Ideas

Looking for ways to add vertical space to your garden? This post shares 10 of my favorite ideas.



If this post about using ladder mesh block to add vertical space to your garden was helpful, please share it:



Originally published June 3, 2018. Updated May 2, 2022.

Leanndra

Tuesday 21st of November 2023

What made you decide to powdercoat your arched trellises? Thank you!

Angela Judd

Tuesday 21st of November 2023

They were getting rusty.

JAnn

Friday 28th of April 2023

Can the ladder mesh trellises be used for controlling sweet potato vines that tend to run and take over garden bed space?

Angela Judd

Monday 1st of May 2023

Sure - the vines would probably overtake them as well, but you could use them to get them up and over different areas if you would like.

Fontella

Monday 31st of October 2022

I picked up a few at Home Depot (Arizona) this weekend and was told the product is being discontinued...run out and get some now.

terry

Tuesday 18th of April 2023

@Cinnomin, these are impossible to find!

Cinnomin

Thursday 2nd of February 2023

@Fontella, I've noticed that the same product is used in masonry under the name "masonry reinforcing ladder"

Angela Judd

Monday 7th of November 2022

Thanks for the head's up. Too bad they are being discontinued.

Amy

Saturday 2nd of July 2022

I'm growing Eggplant for the first time, is this something that might work with them or are tomato cages sufficient? Thanks!

Angela Judd

Sunday 3rd of July 2022

A tomato cage would work better with eggplant.

Paul Raia

Wednesday 1st of June 2022

Thanks for this tip! I was searching for an idea for my vining plants, cukes, cantaloupes, and melons. Last year they grew on the ground, this year I wanted to use cattle panels but didn't have a way to transport. This was a great solution, thank you!!!

Angela Judd

Thursday 2nd of June 2022

Wonderful, glad it's helpful.