Last updated on April 10th, 2021
Updated April 2021 What possessed me to install cattle panel trellises in my kitchen garden? The desire to grow winter squash. If allowed to sprawl, the squash would soon swallow my whole plot. Consequently, I decided to grow the vegetable upwards, not out. A cattle panel is strong enough to support the heavy crop. More about the panels, and how to install them:
What’s a Cattle Panel?
Intended for the corralling of — you guessed it — cows, a cattle panel is heavy gauge galvanized welded wire fencing material. The panels are not particularly heavy but they are certainly rigid. Also, they last a lifetime and are inexpensive to buy. I purchased my panels from Tractor Supply for $23.95 each. The only caveat? The panels measure 4 feet wide by 16 feet long. You need the means to transport them!
How to Install a Cattle Panel Trellis
Now, a normal person would ask for help when installing a cattle panel trellis. But I am not a normal person. In the above video, watch me effortlessly install and form a gracefully-arched trellis without any help at all.
Some important points:
Use T-stakes (or are they called “T-bars”?) to brace the cattle panel. I used 6-foot stakes for my first trellis. Then I got wise, and used 5-foot subjects for the second one. Use a proper mallet to pound the stakes into the ground. On the “not-a-normal-person” theme, I used a common hammer for the job.
Once the panel has been arched, its own tension will hold it in place. To be on the safe side, use zip-ties to lock the sides of panel to the T-bars.
Here’s the first trellis I installed…
And here’s its adorable sibling.
As mentioned in the video, my trellises are intended for the vertical growing of butternut squash. You might like to use the same panels to support cucumbers, pole beans, or some other vining crop. The panels could definitely be used for indeterminate tomatoes, too. I grow my own tomatoes on wooden A-frame support.
I will show you the cattle panel trellis/arbors once my squash begins to climb them. In the meantime, thank you for spending a few precious moments with me today. I hope this gardening tutorial was helpful to you in some itsy-bitsy way!
Update! Wanna see how butternut squash grew on the cattle panel? Watch the above video!
And speaking of winter squash…I have some great recipes for you to try:
Butternut Squash Pancakes. These are loaded with beta carotene and terrific cinnamon perfume. Click here for the recipe.
Kevin’s Caramelized Butternut Squash Soup. Check out this blissful brew of caramelized squash, smokey bacon, savory thyme, and smooth sherry, all blended to perfumed perfection. Click here for the recipe.
Gobble-Gobble Squash. The squash is filled with a simple saute of ground turkey, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, red wine, sage leaves, and a flurry of Parmesan cheese. In other words, it’s something that belongs on your dinner table! Click here for the recipe.
xKevin
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Jeane says
I’ve been needing to put up some trellis for my pole beans and cantaloupe, so this is very welcome info!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Jeane – I’m so glad!
Amy says
OMG I must have a couple of these. Genius. Thank you!
Kristi says
We just installed 11 cattle panels over our blueberry bushes to provide an enclosure to walk in to pick them. We will be putting netting over the cattle panels to keep the birds out. We were inspired by an old episode of P Alan Smith while we were quarantining.
Chris says
Hi Kevin,
You just gave me the best idea for our small yard. Having recently moved from a larger plot of land and a much larger garden space, we’ve been trying to come up with ideas for our garden here.
Thanks!!
Arvella says
Question… is it best to plant on inside of panel or the outside?
Kristi says
I love the video. The struggle with the panels is real. And you did not sugarcoat it. I’m glad you decided to put it up. I can’t lie, I did giggle a bit.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Kristi – Thank you for watching the video!
SarahBeth says
I’ve used cattle panel for my trellises for years. Great minds!
Sandra Payette says
Hats off, K. you didn’t give up. Looking forward to seeing this trellis in full bloom this summer. xo
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Sandra – The video tells the whole, sordid story. Thank you for watching it!
Pam R. says
I can’t wait until you have hanging squash to show off!
Kim says
Kevin, I love it and my immediatr thought is – wisteria! If you or a reader are attempting this again, before you enter the garden, have two+ pieces of rope, lay the panel flat on the ground, fold one end of the panel up and over to meet the other end, tie together in at least 2 places, leaving a gap so that when upright you can stand and walk under it, stand the folded panel on end, position yourself under and in the middle of it, grab the sides and lift, carry into place between the posts, release the ropes and the panel ends will expand out to meet the poles. Will you wind the vines or tie them in place?
Sarah S. says
Kevin, I use feed panels for tomato cages. I have my husband bolt cut them in half and cut a few cross pieces to create spikes to push into the ground. Then with a handy 2×4, bend the whole thing length-wise. Voila! Two angles to make one cage! Works great for those 10′ tall Sungold indeterminate cherries.
Sarah S. says
Oops, forgot about the zip ties to keep the two angles together!
Sharon says
Love your video…shows the problems with installation & how you solved them. We grow 2-3 types of squash & they do take space Great idea!
gloria says
Kevin!
Thank God you are “Abie-Normal”and show the reality of gardening.
This is a brilliant idea and I am going to rush out this week to get the supplies!
Thank You for showing the struggle of making a beautiful and functional garden-I like your videos much better than the finished perfection that all of us are treated to on gardening shows, after the planting and cleaning crew leave.-Gardening, as well as aging, is not for sissies!!
Do more reality gardening sessions- And then enjoy a well deserved glass of wine!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Kim – If I install another cattle panel trellis, I will certainly try your rope-tip. Thank you for that!
Hi Sarah S. – Great idea — bolt cut for sensibly-sized tomato cages!
Jennifer says
Good morning, Kevin! I just watched your video and I am enchanted with the idea of building this trellis for my hops vines! I can just imagine how pretty it will be with little hops cones hanging down, how lovely it will be to walk underneath! Thank you so much for your inspiring video!
Lori says
Yay, welcome to the cattle panel gardening club! I created a tunnel for the grands to play in while my squash grew up and around. You do have to help them start the climb but once established, it’s wonderful! Ok as far as the grands go, interest is lost quickly because of the prickly vines, lol
I love your idea of adding squash to pancakes! A perfect way to get Vitamin A into our systems….
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Jennifer – Thanks so much for watching the video. You are correct — a hop-covered trellis would be enchanting indeed!
Hi Lori – What fun for your grandchildren! And yes, the butternut squash pancakes are DIVINE.
Mary M says
Kevin,
I have always wanted to install a cattle panel tunnel, but was a little intimidated.
You’ve inspired me to try.
Oh and thank you. I really needed that laugh.
Mary M.
Linda says
Thank you for keep it real, it gave me a chuckle and reminds me of my own various misadventures in the garden. All’s well that ends well, right?
Cary says
We LOVED the honesty of the trellis video. We tried to imagine a certain Ms Stewart “rasslin” a cattle panel. And you did it without excessive expletives! Now go wash your hands
Meghan Girroir says
Kevin, I cannot wait to see the trellises covered. What a fantastic idea that I am going to copy. I also admire your grit and gumption. All gardeners are tough!
Thank you for showing us such beautiful ideas.
Carol says
So happy you chose to post the trellis video to your you tube channel. It was so on point with gardening struggles! T-posts can be a real challenge in rocky soil, then add a hammer to pound the posts, OMG!! Praise god for post pounders 😉
Sue says
Way ahead of you, Kevin. We installed a cattle panel a week ago. I have butternuts coming up in the greenhouse to plant at the base of it. We have used a cut cattle panel (1/2 of a long one) installed straight up, for cucumbers for years. But, I love the look of the tunnel over the pathway and can’t wait to see the squash hanging down from it. Plus, it saves so much room for other veggies. Good luck with yours and anyone who tries it. It is sure to be the Hit of the garden season.
Faye says
Brilliant idea Kim to bend and tie the panels before placement! I chuckled while watching because it reminded me of setting the panels in my own garden. I now plant bush acorn and bush butternut squash in my raised beds which don’t need a trellis.
Bridget says
Dear Kevin, I so appreciate you and your videos! Thank you. Like another comment-er said, thanks for showing *real gardening*. By watching you do this, make me think I can do it too. Best to you!
pk says
Your persistence is commendable! However, a WARNING should be issued as well. We used cattle panels (arched) over our raised bed garden to keep the deer out. It did take two of us to “man-handle” the panels. When removing them last year, my end popped out of my hand (they are under tension) and hit me in the leg. It barely broke the skin even though it hurt like h…! It did not even bleed. Ten days later I was seen for a major infection at the site of my wound and needed 10 days of antibiotics. My bruised shin bone hurt for about 6 weeks. So be WARNED: arched cattle panels are under tension and should be handled with caution when installing and removing. Other than that…. it’s a grand idea!
Linda says
Kevin, your trellis video was inspirational. But maybe not in the way you intended. One of the many reasons you are so loved is your willingness to be real and to chuckle at yourself in those realities. Yes your video caused me to chuckle but it also caused my appreciation to grow. Thanks for sharing you with us!
Kathy says
Kevin,
Thanks for the morning entertainment. You are such a good sport. And, my technique is the same as yours, I would do it myself. Because those T-posts are such a pain to put in, there is a device that sets over the top to pound them in. Well worth acquiring if you have a lot of posts to install. I have grown winter squash on an arched trellis for several years. If you keep at it and train the tendrils to cling to the panel, they will eventually just grow that way. Often the squash will hang through the panel making harvest easy. Or, you can help them through a hole while they are small. Happy gardening!
Karen Mary says
I so wanted to reach into this video and help you! Your garden is wonderful, and the arch is a lovely add! Looking forward to seeing everything growing later this season!
Lisa says
I cannot imagine working with a cattle panel alone like that! They are so awkward. Congratulations! You were so close, they are t-posts. I used t-posts for the ends of my raspberry beds, for the wires.
Dawn Robertson says
Thx for putting up the video . It is so nice to see the REAL thing. We all have grandiose ideas but not all can make them come to life . Your perseverance on camera inspires us all.
You are great!!
Becky says
I love this idea but how on earth did you get the cattle panels home? I live in a city and have a tiny car. Would this work for climbing flowers like clematis or are the spaces too big to work?
Love your blog, Becky
Michelle Collins says
I’m so pleased you posted the video – “building character, not letting the wire get the best of you”!! Life lessons for sure and keeping it real, Kevin. I found myself leaning with you as you worked to get the panels straightened, lol. And what a great idea, as well, I’ll be trying it this year with my summer squash & gourds.
Thank you!
DebbyMc says
Loved this video! I’ve had the same struggle, only on a much smaller scale, wrangling stiff wire fencing to make tomato cages. I was smiling at your determination, and giggling a little, I’m impressed that you saw the struggle through to the end. The arch is amazing! Thanks for a great idea!
Lori S says
Thanks for the chuckle, I sooo wanted to reach in and help you LOL. I have worked with cattle panels as well and know how cumbersome they can be. As one poster mentioned, be very careful that they do not spring back and wack you in the face or elsewhere. The use of ropes to stop this from happening as another poster suggested is a very good idea until everything is secured in place and the ropes can be removed. I use the heavy metal T posts used in field fencing rather than the light weight ones that you used in this video, which can bend and break with a lot of tension or pressure, but then you will need a fence post pounder, which is a good investment. I am going to build one today, here in central Indiana we had our last hard freeze 5 days ago and our last frost 4 days ago which is very very late, it has been crazy my garden is normally well under way by now but I am only just getting started. Thank you so much for this video I love how you keep it real!!!
Lori S says
One other suggestion, the cable ties deteriorate with time and break so I would suggest if you are going to leave the panels in place for future use in same place, use wire to secure the panel to the posts.
Margo P says
Didn’t know you did comedy,Kevin! Thanks for the good laughs. You certainly achieved the old adage of “ What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” Can’t wait to see the squash hanging thru the wire and they’ll stay much cleaner hanging.
Janet says
Thanks for posting this, Kevin! It was fun to see you succeeding outside of your element!! There were times when I really wished I was there to be that extra set of hands that you could have used. Can’t wait to see this with the vines growing on it. You brought us laughter. That’s always a win in my book!
Theresa Ryan says
I laughed so hard, because after watching your video I knew exactly how I looked when I tried to install hog panels the same way by myself. Good luck with your vines and trellis and thanks!
Kate Ferris says
Kevin, I’m so glad you decided to post this video. What a brilliant idea to use cattle panels! And your comments as you wrangled the panel into position were hilarious. No wonder we all want you to be our best friend! LOL Looking forward to seeing how the squash vines progress. (As an aside, one year the snow was too deep to make it to the compost bin, so we just threw the kitchen scraps right on the snow in the garden. Around late summer we were sitting on our 8’x8′ brick ‘patio’ when my husband said, “What kind of bird or animal is that in the Jack pine?” We looked and couldn’t figure it out, so we walked over and discovered . . . about six spaghetti squash! Some of the seeds in the compost had rooted and the vine had used one of the Jack pines as a natural trellis. The largest was probably around 3 lbs, and the others smaller. What an unexpected treat!
Janet says
Thanks for the honest video! I have always wanted to do this and now I know that I need a truck and another body to help! Looking forward to seeing yours with the growing squash!
Anna F Lapping says
Great idea, Kevin! I might have to incorporate some of these into my garden.
Dale Korba says
I’ve been using the metal frames from two stand alone adult swinging benches for backyard ( with the swings removed) and they make a good size and sturdy triangle to attach fencing to for Vertical growth of squashes.
They work well although I’ve had to make hammocks for some squashes that got large!
Margaret says
Grand idea, thank you. How many feet apart are the ends?
Ardelle F Tuxen says
Good job Kevin! I couldn’t resist watching you accomplish this as I know how “unwieldy” they can be since I am a solo gardener and have these experiences all the time. You did a great job! A number of our gardeners on our garden tours have used these to grow cucumbers, pole beans, melons, squash, with great success. Another tip – as they grow fruit they can break the vines when the fruit gets heavy – so, use old worn T-shirts, pantyhose, etc. to tie the fruit up to support the weight. I am looking forward to watching your squash grow and create this little tunnel. Butternut squash is used in my family for everything that needs ‘pumpkin’ because we like the texture and depth of flavor more than the pumpkin that is available. We are finally getting some rain – a week of nice slow rain is going to be so welcome – it has been so dry way too early. Happy gardening!
Stacey Harrison says
I love your videos—both gardening and cooking. This was the best one yet. Truly honest! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a similar situation where I knew I needed two people to do the job but I was bound and determined to do it myself! Made me laugh heartily and we all need that now. Thanks for posting it. I’m also inspired to do the cattle panel arch trellis! You deserve some of your peanut butter cookies now.
Pat Dohaney says
Well done brave and courageous, ingenious Gardner! Showing struggle has prepared all of us what to expect and for that I am most grateful.
Thank you for leading the way!
Sincerely,
Pat
Peterborough, ON
Debbie Purple says
I loved the idea of using cattle fencing. We just bought the lot next door to our house and I want to attempt a food forest. A trellis like yours would look awesome in there. I have followed you for a long time but this is my first comment. I enjoy so many of your ideas and recipes, thanks!
Ana says
I absolutely loved your video! I am so glad you showed us the real process. An excellent idea.
Amy says
Kevin, Love the arch, but I have the same question as another reader… How did you transport the cattle panels? Or if you paid for delivery, how much did they charge?
MaryB says
Whooot! You did it! Good job. 🙂 There were two of us and we did a bit of pre-bending before installing. That also eliminates some of the “spring back” danger when removing them.
It really helps to have a helper with a pickup truck. Pizza was a good payment, as was a batch of ginger cookies. We ended up installing several panels.
Tracey Furness says
Thank you for making me smile Kevin during lockdown in United Kingdom! I didn’t think you were going to make it, so much determination! Great idea and found them on an agricultural site, going to use smaller 4ftx6ft to make fence around veggie plot, then larger for trellis inside. Happy gardening! Traceyx
BJ Foster says
I. LOVE. THIS. VIDEO. My favorite one ever. Thanks for posting it.
gloria says
Hey Kevin-
Just to let you know that the cattle panel, as you said was not easy for us- So-
We wired two re-bar fencing pieces together and they did the trick!
Thank You for the brilliant idea and we went on from there- Love this Blog!
Rosemary says
You did great, Kevin! I know how unwieldy that material is…really has a mind of its own. You should feel quite satisfied!
Gale Dickert says
Kevin, so glad I goggled your Blog today which, sadly, keeps being “deleted” from my computer. I LOVE your stories, recipes and super ideas, so PLEASE ADD ME to your email list again! Like most, I’m planting, weeding my many gardens during this time at home. Most recently, I tackled Smilax vines overtaking my grape arbor -7 hours removing treacherous vines and I looked like I’d been attacked by a wildcat, but glad that’s done! Thinking of installing porous vinyl ground cover I can blow clean under grape arbor to prevent weed invasion–do you have a better idea? I use newspaper under pine straw in my other gardens, but it doesn’t stop Smilax! Can’t wait to hear from you and to, once again, receive your terrific blog!!
Deena says
What a joy to watch!! So glad it worked out so wonderfully! Love the way it looks and can’t wait to see your updates on how the squash does on it. I wanted to jump right in the video to help you, but I must say you did it like a pro!! 🙂
Vina Kaczmarczyk says
Great video, Kevin! So real! I, too, wanted to jump in and help you tackle the job which, by the way, was amazing.
Annie says
Do you think this would work for full sized pumpkins or do you think they’d be too heavy. I imagine the fruit would require some sort of sling but just wondering your thoughts?
donna says
This year for the first time hubby and I installed two cattle panel trellis in our garden. I was so happy to have them. However, what I don’t like about them (used them for spaghetti squash) is that you cannot see the plant leaves on top so I could not easily get to the top to spray for mildew and insects (organically). My butternut squash was grown on the exterior fence as and experiment. The deer mostly left them alone (surprisingly) and I made sure that the fruits were all inside. I did do some training. I will again grow them on the garden fence (deer spray if I have to). I will grow green beans on the cattle panel arch and also try and see how LOW I can make them go by spreading so that MAYBE i can see on top to battle bugs (squash bugs, vine borers, cucumber beetles).
Barb GILLIGAN says
Watch the sun when you install anything tall so you don’t shade where the sun is most needed, especially in the summer. Great idea keep em coming Kevin!
Heather Wylie says
Can you tell me how far apart the posts are and how high your trellis ended up being? I’m planning my garden and want to add 4 of them to my back yard and just trying to figure out my best open to place them. So that would help tremendously in my planning 🙂
Charles Nero says
Hi Kevin, putting up the trellis was the best ever! Thanks for showing the challenging work of gardening.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Heather – I will bring my tape measure up to the garden and determine width and height for you. Just keep in mind that you can always zip-tie the panel higher up on the posts to create the height you want.
Hi Charles – I installed that trellis like a chump. I mean champ. Thanks for watching the video!
Bill Halsey says
When our cattle panel arches become overgrown with beans, it provides shade in high summer for a late crop of delicate greens underneath. Good for limited-space gardners!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Bill — Great tip. Thank you!
Mariska L says
Hi Kevin,
I have a quick question. Why did you put the panel in the center of the raised bed instead of anchoring it to the outer side of the raised bed?
Lori Schmidt says
`Hi Kevin I hope to try a few of these this year. Did you find that you had less trouble with powdery mildew and squash bugs than when you grew them on the ground? I always battle both of these and some years they just destroy the whole crop despite my efforts to eradicate them. I grow organic so do not use pesticides. I am in northeast Central Indiana.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Mariska – The center position worked out well for me.
Hi Lori – Zero squash bugs/vine borers. Not sure if this was because of the vertical growth of the squash, or just plain luck. Maybe both!
Sandy Martinez says
Kevin… you’re the King!! I watched the install video with nervous anticipation! You deserve the gold medal for this whole endeavor! GOOD JOB!!
I hope cocktails came afterwards because you sure deserved to be toasted!
We’re growing pink banana squash and kabocha this year.
Thanks Kev. You’re always an inspiration and a delight. Keep up the good work!
Much love back to you, Sandy
Jamie F. says
Hi Kevin,
As entertaining as it was to see you try and manhandle that panel by yourself, wouldn’t it be easier to:
1. Find a helper so there are four hands.
2. Weave the four stakes through the cattle panel while on the ground. (Would take a minute at the most.)
3. Use said hands to hold and lift stakes and panel into an arch, which is now manageable due to the rigidity of the stakes.
4. Walk the panel (still in an arch) to desired location and place in position.
From underneath the arch one person holds it in place while the other pounds the stakes. And instead of the dinky little hammer, perhaps a hand sledge or even a rubber mallet would make the job much easier, and take way less time.
Just some thoughts. 🙂
Justine says
The struggle is real!
(In response to your how to make a squash cathedral video!)
Truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing The True Experience!
Love ya,
Justine
Karin Sampogna says
Kevin, kudos to you for getting the job done by yourself!!! Love this idea!! The only thing I can add is next time please…. wear safety glasses!!! I was on pins and needles worrying about your eyes!! Now I’ll search your site for some good rhubarb recipes… just took some out of the freezer!
Frank says
I just installed 4 more panels this week giving me 8 panels now. Grew pole beans, winter squash (fantastic!!!), cucumbers (not so good), mini watermelon (great). This year we will add peas and butternut squash.
Frank says
P.S. I have used so many of your great ideas from Cattle panels to leaf mould I just went and bought your cookbook. Thanks a million!!! I’m sure I will enjoy and use it.
tina says
Kevin so excited for another season in the garden with you.
By the way the rolls were easy and delish.
many thanks
Sheri S Wentland says
Finally, I have raised beds ready and two cattle panels purchased. This week they go up!! And I’m running late because here in Texas I’m told I need to start planting stuff next month. Thanks for the great videos.
Amanda says
I am wanting make the trellis and grow some butternut squash on it as well. Do you think storage in an incapsulated crawl space would suffice?
Jessica says
This is such a great post! Thank you! What is the approximate size of your garden and the space between the t posts for the arches?