Trellis placement question

retired member 2 4/4/2011, 8:12 pm

I have a question about the placement of my trellises. Why is it suggested that you put them on the north side? I am wanting to place my on the west side. I have zero shade on my slate hill and am thinking that if I place the trellis on the west side with my tomatoes and melons growing on it it will provide some shade for the other plants. What do you more experienced SFG think of this idea?

Joyousch 4/4/2011, 9:26 pm

It's suggested to put trellises on the north side precisely because that doesn't block the sun. What plants are you hoping to shade? In general, most veggies like full sun, so sticking with the north side would be best...but some cool-season veggies (like lettuce) can't handle too much heat. So, the type of plants you'll be shading will make a big difference on if it's a good idea to trellis the west side or not.

retired member 2 4/4/2011, 9:45 pm

Well, I was thinking the vining plants would shade some flowers and a few other things. When I say no shade I mean no shade, plus it is on a slate hill. From noon until the sun slips behind the trees around 8 at night, it is hot and blazing, sometimes near 100 for days at a time.

elliephant 4/4/2011, 10:03 pm

I have trellises on the east side of most of my boxes. They are up against a fence, so they were going to get shade in the morning no matter what. I wish they were on the west side. I would love shade in the afternoon. It got up to 103 today.

retired member 2 4/4/2011, 11:13 pm

No matter what I do, mulch, water, etc, most of my plants are completely limp at the end of the day by late June through September. Add to the fact that the western sun gets them with no shade,, my house is white aluminum siding, so it relfects the heat right back on to the plants. Bleh. It might rain all day and all night but because of the slate and no shade the plants are completely dry within hours. Hate my gardening site. But it is all I have.

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