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4 Structures That Support Your Garden Plants and Their Growth
Vines, tall, and top-heavy plants, or plants with heavy blossoms often need a support structure. That goes for plants growing in windy locations too. Sensitive plants may also need a structure, such as a greenhouse. Garden support structures can be simple or elaborate, made of wood or fabricated from steel or other metals. Let’s look at four common types of support in the garden.
Arbors
A garden arbor takes the form of an elegant and decorative arch, and is often used as an entrance to the garden. You can also use a large arbor with a bench, to create a garden nook. Arbors can be fabricated from steel or plastic or made from wood.
Arbors support vining plants, and are often used to support climbing roses, bougainvillea, passionflower, climbing hydrangea, trumpet vine, coral honeysuckle, moonflower, wisteria, star jasmine, and clematis.
Raised beds
A raised bed is a frame, generally made of wood, and filled with good quality garden soil. A raised bed supports healthy plant growth for many reasons. First of all, you can control the quality of the soil. This is important if the ground soil is rocky, nutrient-poor, or has too many native weeds. Second, it’s easier to garden; you won’t have to bend or kneel as much. Finally, a raised bed generally has a superior yield of vegetables. Raised beds are very popular for vegetable gardens. However, you can grow anything in a raised bed.
Greenhouses
A greenhouse is especially useful in colder climates, allowing you to extend the growing season. A greenhouse is also very appropriate for growing tropical plants, where you need to closely control the temperature and humidity. You can buy greenhouses prefabricated, or contract with a steel fabrication company to custom craft a greenhouse specifically for your property.
Greenhouses can support nearly any type of garden plant, from hothouse vegetables, orchids, tropical plants, and flowers. They’re particularly useful for managing new sprouts or injured plants.
Trellises
Trellises are similar to arbors, as they are both very good at supporting vines. However, a trellis takes the form of a flat, fence-like structure. A trellis can be made of wood, metal, bamboo, or plastic. A trellis can be placed against the wall of a home or building, to support vining plants. Likewise, you can use a trellis to create a privacy screen.
A trellis can be used to support any vine, such as ivy, hops, climbing roses, Mandevilla, morning glory, black-eyed Susan vine, trumpet vine or climbing hydrangea.
Your garden doesn’t have to be one dimensional all on one level. In fact, many of your plants will thrive better when they’re supported my frames and boxes. When you’re choosing new plants, make sure you have the proper equipment to help them grow strong and healthy.
