schoolsout
Veteran Member
Not sure if this is right place, but figured I'd post here anyways.
Need to build about 50-60' trellis for Triple Crown Blackberries (this strain is "creeping" or whatever, meaning it will grow along ground if left untouched). I have 10 TC plants and plan to use treated 4x4 (only using treated because I want it to last...hate the chemicals used) and have a 2 wire system with first wire around 24-30" above ground with top wire about 48" or a little more above ground. Wire will be 12.5 ga high-tensile wire and will use ratchet tensioners to keep wire tight.
At each end, I plan on having 2 4x4s about 8' apart for 8' 2x4 to connect the top of posts then wire connecting bottom of very end post to top of next post to brace it. I'm trying to build it as sturdy as possible, but thinking the blackberries won't be all that heavy (like grapes). I will do the 50' span with no posts between. Will this hold? or should I put another post in middle?
Also, I have about 18 semi-erect blackberries (arapaho, apache and kiowa) and plan on doing a "T" style trellis for them. This one will be about 100' long. Plan is to have wires on top 3' apart using 2x4 across the 4x4 post and halfway down, have another smaller "T" to help keep the younger stalks off ground. Wondering how much pressure the plants will have on wires when just "leaning" on them. I'm also thinking it won't be that much weight. I'm planning to put at least 2 posts between the 100' span to hold wires out.
Also, should I use concrete on posts? Will be about 3' deep leaving 5' above ground. Soil is sandy on top then clay below.
Hope this makes sense. Any help/suggestions appreciated. Was supposed to put the posts in ground this weekend, but got sidetracked. Blackberries were bought bare root and placed in pots this winter and are starting to grow really well now that it's finally warm out. Would like to get in ground ASAP.
And one other thing...anyone know where to get a roll of 12.5ga high tensile wire that is less than 4,000 feet long? Most places I have found that did sell smaller rolls do not do so any longer.
Need to build about 50-60' trellis for Triple Crown Blackberries (this strain is "creeping" or whatever, meaning it will grow along ground if left untouched). I have 10 TC plants and plan to use treated 4x4 (only using treated because I want it to last...hate the chemicals used) and have a 2 wire system with first wire around 24-30" above ground with top wire about 48" or a little more above ground. Wire will be 12.5 ga high-tensile wire and will use ratchet tensioners to keep wire tight.
At each end, I plan on having 2 4x4s about 8' apart for 8' 2x4 to connect the top of posts then wire connecting bottom of very end post to top of next post to brace it. I'm trying to build it as sturdy as possible, but thinking the blackberries won't be all that heavy (like grapes). I will do the 50' span with no posts between. Will this hold? or should I put another post in middle?
Also, I have about 18 semi-erect blackberries (arapaho, apache and kiowa) and plan on doing a "T" style trellis for them. This one will be about 100' long. Plan is to have wires on top 3' apart using 2x4 across the 4x4 post and halfway down, have another smaller "T" to help keep the younger stalks off ground. Wondering how much pressure the plants will have on wires when just "leaning" on them. I'm also thinking it won't be that much weight. I'm planning to put at least 2 posts between the 100' span to hold wires out.
Also, should I use concrete on posts? Will be about 3' deep leaving 5' above ground. Soil is sandy on top then clay below.
Hope this makes sense. Any help/suggestions appreciated. Was supposed to put the posts in ground this weekend, but got sidetracked. Blackberries were bought bare root and placed in pots this winter and are starting to grow really well now that it's finally warm out. Would like to get in ground ASAP.
And one other thing...anyone know where to get a roll of 12.5ga high tensile wire that is less than 4,000 feet long? Most places I have found that did sell smaller rolls do not do so any longer.