Cattle Panel Arched Trellis

Support creates possibility—squash reaching up, ground cherries spreading out, and nasturtium softening the edges.

Arched trellises made from cattle panel are one of those garden structures that are both beautiful and brutally practical. They create vertical growing space, improve airflow, make harvesting easier, and—let’s be honest—feel a little magical when they’re fully covered in vines.

Several years ago, I built three arched trellises using cattle panel and 5-foot fence posts. Here’s exactly how I did it, what I’ve grown on them so far, and what I’ll do differently next season.

Materials I Used

• Cattle Stockade Panel (one 50" x 16' 4-guage steel panel per arch)

• Steel 5' T Posts (four per arch)

• Fence post driver

• 28 WG Galvanized Wire

• Pliers, wire cutting and regular

• Garden ties or soft twine

Simple materials. Solid results.

Step-by-Step: How I Built the Arched Trellises

1. Set the posts

For each trellis, I drove four fence posts into the ground using a fence post driver.

• Posts were placed 5-6 feet apart, forming a square base

• A pair of posts stood at each end of the arch to support the four corners of the panel. I measured carefully to ensure the panel edges lined up with the posts.

This spacing creates an arch that’s tall enough to walk under once plants get going, without putting too much stress on the panel.

2. Lay out the cattle panel

I laid the cattle panel flat on the ground between the posts. This makes it much easier to control as you bend it.

3. Bend into an arch

With one post at each corner, I bent the panel upward into an arch and rested each corner against a post. This part is easier with a second person, but it’s doable solo if you’re patient (and okay with a little wrestling).

4. Secure with galvanized wire

Once the panel was in position, I attached it to each post using 28 WG galvanized wire, twisting it tight with pliers.

The result: sturdy, flexible, and strong enough to hold heavy fruit.

What I’ve Grown on the Arches (The Honest Version)

I’ve learned that not all vining plants behave the same way on an arch. Here’s how mine performed:

🌿 Butternut squash

Excellent. These are made for cattle panel arches. The vines climb willingly, the fruit hangs cleanly, and the airflow helps prevent disease. Growing butternut squash is one of my favorite uses for the trellises.

🎃 Kakai pumpkins

Tricky. They grew vigorously, but training them took persistence. The vines didn’t naturally “choose” the arch, so I had to guide them frequently with garden ties. Worth it—but not hands-off.

🏺 Birdhouse gourds

Ridiculously fun. These vines climbed enthusiastically and produced whimsical shapes dangling from the arch. They’re vigorous, dramatic, and a joy if you like playful garden energy.

🥒 Cucumbers

Better elsewhere. Cucumbers grew fine, but I’ve learned they actually do better for me on a flat panel trellis rather than an arch. Easier harvesting, less tangling.

🍅 Indeterminate tomatoes

A hot mess (my fault).They grew too well. I didn’t prune enough, and the vines turned into an unruly jungle. Lesson learned: if you’re growing tomatoes on cattle panel, pruning is not optional.

🌱 What’s next: beans or moonflowers

Next season, I’m planning to try beans on the arches. I expect them to be enthusiastic climbers without the weight issues of squash. Although inedible, moonflowers might be fun, too.

My Planting Strategy: Two Sides, Two Purposes

One of my favorite parts of these trellises is how they create two distinct planting zones.

• One side: the vining crop

  • I plant at the base and train the vines up and over the arch using garden ties.

• The other side: low-growing companions

  • Chamomile, Nasturtium, Basil, Dill

This keeps the bed productive without competition for vertical space—and it looks beautiful, too.

Why I Love Cattle Panel Arches (Beyond Productivity)

These trellises have changed how my garden feels.

They invite you to walk through, look up, slow down. They remind me that good structures don’t force growth—they support it. The arch does the quiet work of holding things up so the plants can do what they’re meant to do.

There’s a lesson in that somewhere: thoughtful structures make growth easier.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering cattle panel arches, I can confidently say:

• They’re affordable

• They’re durable

• They grow better food and better garden experiences

Start with one. You may find yourself building three.

And if you do—plant something that makes you smile when it hangs overhead.

Growing with you,

Cindy

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Disclaimer: Any tools or materials mentioned are simply what I use in my own garden. Links are shared for clarity and convenience, not as affiliate recommendations.