Lady bends a pool noodle over tomato plants. Just wait until you see the result in her garden!

Creating a garden trellis using pool noodles is an innovative and cost-effective way to support your tomato plants and other climbing vegetables. This DIY project not only helps in maximizing your garden space but also adds a splash of color and creativity to your garden. By bending pool noodles over your plants, you provide them with the necessary support to grow upwards, ensuring better air circulation, sunlight exposure, and easier harvesting. This method is particularly appealing for gardeners looking to add a whimsical touch to their garden without breaking the bank.

To incorporate this DIY into your garden's aesthetic, consider matching the color of the pool noodles with other elements in your garden, such as flower pots, garden furniture, or decorative stones. For a cohesive look, choose colors that complement the natural hues of your plants or opt for vibrant colors to create a playful and eye-catching contrast. You can also add decorative elements like ribbons or small garden ornaments to the trellis for a personalized touch.

Pool noodles (6 feet long, 2-3 inches in diameter)
Garden stakes (4-6 feet tall)
Zip ties or garden twine
Scissors or a utility knife

Select a location in your garden where you want to install the trellis, ensuring it is close to the plants you wish to support.

Insert garden stakes into the ground, spacing them about 2-3 feet apart, depending on the width of your pool noodles.

Take a pool noodle and bend it into an arch shape, positioning it over the stakes.

Secure the ends of the pool noodle to the stakes using zip ties or garden twine, ensuring the noodle is stable and won't move in the wind.

Repeat the process with additional pool noodles to create a series of arches over your plants, forming a tunnel-like structure.

Ensure that the trellis is sturdy by gently shaking it and adjusting the ties as necessary.

Guide the tomato plants or other climbing plants towards the trellis, gently tying them to the structure if needed.

For a more natural look, consider wrapping the pool noodles in burlap or garden netting to blend them with the surrounding greenery. You can also experiment with different shapes by cutting the noodles into smaller sections and arranging them in unique patterns. If you have a larger garden, try creating a series of interconnected arches to form a larger trellis system. Additionally, you can use this method to support other climbing plants like cucumbers, beans, or peas, adapting the height and spacing of the stakes to suit the specific needs of each plant.