If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive vegetable gardening idea, a cattle fence is the answer. This simple DIY garden arch is a great way to grow a vertical vegetable garden that keeps plants off the ground and gives you more room to grow. It also helps reduce disease and other problems caused by overcrowding.
Plus, there’s just something about a lush green canopy covered in vines. It can bring an entire garden together! And it creates a lovely shady area to cool off in on a hot summer day.
This simple cattle shelter costs about $50 and takes just a few hours (or less) to build. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how.
(Image source: Laura Walters / Future)
What you will need
- 1 livestock mat, 50 in (1.27 m) x 16 ft (4.87 m)
- 4 T-posts, 6 ft (1.82 m)
- 16 straps
- Postal driver
- Tape measure
- Permanent Marker
You can find everything you need for this project at a farm supply store. Some large hardware stores may have livestock fences, but you should call or check online before you go.
It also helps to have a friend help you with this project. Theoretically, you could do it yourself, but having another person around makes this project much easier.
How to build a wire mesh trellis for livestock
This easy DIY project takes just a few simple steps and an hour or two to complete. Here’s how:
1. Choose a location
Before you can start building your trellis, you need to decide where you want to place it. If you have raised beds, you can create an arch that connects two parallel beds. This is a great way to increase your yield in a small lot and create a lovely vertical element in your garden.
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I wanted a pergola to cover the walkway down the middle of my garden. I also wanted to create a larger pergola to accommodate more plants. To do this I basically built two pergolas of cattle guard end to end.
These instructions are for a single panel canopy, although you can easily create a longer tunnel-style trellis by simply purchasing an additional panel and two T-posts as you can see in the photo.
Once you have gathered all your materials and chosen the perfect location, you can begin building.
(Image source: Laura Walters / Future)
2. Measurement
Measure where you will place the T-posts to hold the cattle fence arch. For a standard 50 in (1.27 m) x 16 ft (4.87 m) cattle fence, arrange the T-posts in a rectangle measuring 5 ft (1.52 m) x 50 in (1.27 m). This will create an arch approximately 6.5 ft (1.98 m) high.
This is a good height for the average gardener to walk around, tend the vines, and pick the fruit growing over the trellis. However, if you are shorter or taller, you can reduce or increase the distance between the supports to achieve the desired height.
Use a tape measure to measure 5 ft (1.52 m) and mark the points where the posts on the first side of your arch will go in. You can use the T-posts to create a groove in the ground that will act as a guide as you bury them.
(Image source: Future)
Be sure to measure from the center of one patch of soil to the center of another so that the posts line up with the edge of the cattle guard.
Next, measure 50 in (1.27 m) from the recesses you just created and mark where the last two T-posts will go to complete the rectangle.
Then measure down 4 ft (1.21 m) from the top of each T-post along its length. Use a permanent marker to draw a line here. This is the depth you need to bury the posts in the next step.
(Image source: Laura Walters / Future)
3. Bury the article
This is the most difficult step of the entire process, as it requires some strength. Place the bottom of the first T-post into one of the grooves you made in the previous step. Face the flat side of the T-post outward. This is the side where you will attach the cattle guard.
Hold the pole straight, checking from all angles to make sure it is completely vertical. If you have a spotter, have them hold the pole while you look from all sides.
(Image source: Laura Walters / Future)
Take the pile driver and place it on top of the T-post. Hit the pile driver down into the post to bury it in the ground. If a helper is still holding the T-post, make sure their hands and head are clear before using the pile driver.
Hit the stake driver down several times until the line you drew with the permanent marker is level with the ground. Repeat this process with the other T-posts.
(Image source: Laura Walters / Future)
4. Attach the breeding plate
Once the T-posts are in place, it’s time to attach the cattle guard. This is where you may need some help. Cattle guards are very heavy and can be quite difficult to lift on your own.
With your friend’s help, place the cattle guard on the outside (flat side) of two T-posts spaced 50 in (1.27 m) apart with the short end of the guard resting on the ground.
Starting at the bottom, use ties to secure the cattle panel to the T-posts. Use four ties for each T-post and space them evenly apart. You can add more later if you feel your cattle panel needs more support.
(Image source: Laura Walters / Future)
With your help, bend the cattle guard until the opposite end touches the ground on the outside of the remaining two T-posts. Secure the guard with a tie.
If you like, you can trim the ends of the wire for a neater look. Otherwise, your new wire mesh for your barn is complete.
5. Plants
Now comes the fun part – it’s time to plant! Follow the spacing guidelines for the plants you want. You can plant a little closer together than you would without a trellis because the vines will grow up instead of spreading along the ground.
I always tend to over plant, but I limit myself to three pumpkin/cucumber plants per panel per side. Since I built a longer trellis with two panels, I can plant six plants on each side of my cattle panel arch.
(Image source: Laura Walters / Future)
What to grow on wire mesh for livestock pens
Many ornamental and edible plants benefit from a trellis. I’ve built a barn-board canopy to grow pumpkins and cucumbers, but there are dozens of other options.
You could grow climbing flowers like sweet peas or watercress or use your cattle screen as a tomato trellis. It’s also fun to combine ornamental and edible plants to create a beautiful double-purpose garden.
A popular gardening trend on social media is growing your own squash to feed yourself at home. But if you want to go the traditional vegetable gardening route, beans, peas, and just about any squash are perfect for this DIY trellis dome.
frequently asked Questions
What is the size of the livestock shelter?
Livestock pen covers are created using standard 50 in (1.27 m) x 16 ft (4.87 m) mesh panels that are approximately 6.5 ft (1.98 m) high, 5 ft (1.52 m) wide, and 50 in (1.27 m) deep.
What is the difference between a cattle fence and a pig fence?
Cattle fences are wider than pig fences. Pig fences are typically 36 in (.91 m) wide. Cattle fences allow you to grow more plants because they provide more trellis space. Although pig fences are a good alternative for smaller spaces.
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