Without a frame around that wire fence section, it will not hold even one vine.

John

Here is a link that might be useful: Johns Journal

But it looks like it's attached to the fence at the top, isn't it?

Yes it is attached to the fence with 'fence staples' that we hammered in.

it will likely droop.... but shouldnt collapse if it is attached at the top...

why did you deck in the bottom? seems like a waste of wood.?

Well, we took down part of our fence and instead of breaking down the gate, I used that as my base...made measuring a whole lot easier. So in the picture you're seeing the front of the gate. I would have preferred to use that side down to make it more level, but my hubby wanted to use that side up to bolt the 4x4s into it easier.

In case it droopes, I was thinking of attaching conduit pipe in a triangle shape to both sides and possibly the middle. Then I could just zip tie the mesh to it.

It looks great, I got my bit of earth tilled for the first time today and hope to be putting my own pics up soon. :) I'm thrilled for you.

floodthelast: Thanks! I can hardly wait to see your pictures. Everyone does their garden a little bit different so it's fun to see what they do and get ideas. Good luck to you! :)

Although looking back now, I will definitely be putting up supports for my wire fence once the plants get climbing.

Carroteggs, that looks like the same wire mesh used on mine, with the 2" x 3" openings. Am I right?
As far as the mesh sagging goes...it probably will sag, if enough melons hang from it. There's lots of things you can do to make it more rigid, if you'd like, though. Let me know if I can help.

EG

Hey EG,
I think the mesh openings are 2"x4" 14 gauge wire. It is 6'x4', but we had to bend it a little bit near the top of fence to make it easier to nail it to the fence. What do you suggest to make it stronger? I'm trying to avoid putting more screws into the box since the 4x4s cracked when we were putting it together.

It's a good idea to predrill the holes where the screws go in to help keep the wood from splitting.

Like Luke mentioned, it is best to predrill your holes to keep the wood from splitting.

Have you thought about taking a couple pieces of 1" pvc, and bowing them - so that they will fit under the mesh? You could use tiewraps to fasten them to the mesh, and anchor the 2 ends to the box, and fence. That would strengthen it.

EG

Good idea about the PVC pipe, sure seems easier than trying to use conduit pipe. And yes, we pre-drilled all our holes. I guess maybe the screws made it worse as there was some splitting when he cut them initially. The PVC securing will be my project next week, after I find a place for all my seedlings...me think I started way too many :)-Thanks EG