Vegetable Gardening Tips, Advice and FAQ's

How do I build the T-Frames you recommend for vertical growing?

Graphically illustrated instructions for building and installing T-Frames are contained in the Mittleider Gardening Course - advanced section, Chapter 15, as well as other books. Here are the "guts" of it. For a 30' Soil-Bed or Grow-Box, buy 6 - 8' treated 4 X 4's. Cut two of them into 6 equal-sized pieces 32" long. Four 32" lengths become the top of the T. The other two 32" 4 X 4 lengths then are cut into 4 equal-sized braces using 45 degree-angle cuts as follows: Measure and mark 10 5/8" along the bottom edge, then 3 5/8", then 10 5/8", then 3 5/8". On the top edge, measure and mark 3 1/2", then 3 5/8", then 10 5/8", then 3 5/8". Draw lines between these marks, then, using a table saw, cut on the lines. Pre-drill through the top center of the 32" tops, then use a 6" spike to nail into the 8' post. Screw or nail the braces to the top and post. Bury 15" in the ground at 10' (or shorter) intervals. Use #8 gage wire and eyebolts between the T-Frames, or use 1/2" galvanized pipe (held in place by two nails). If you want to extend the growing season, use 2 X 4's on edge, and make an arched canopy with 3/4" PVC and 45 degree Slip fittings every 2', then cover in early Spring and late Fall with 6 mil clear plastic.

Last Modified: 2003-11-14 Number of views: 5184