How do you make a garden arch for vegetables?

A garden arch is a great way to maximize planting space and allow vining crops like beans, cucumbers, and squash to grow vertically. Arches can be used over pathways, acting as a living tunnel to walk through. They can also be placed within garden beds, providing vertical support and creating a focal point in the garden.

What is a Garden Arch?

A garden arch is a freestanding structure made of wood, metal, or plastic that creates an archway. The arch provides vertical support for climbing plants and vines to grow on. It allows the plants to be trained and supported as they grow upwards rather than spreading out along the ground.

Garden arches come in many different sizes and styles. They can be quite simple or more elaborately decorative. The basic arched shape provides the key function – creating a upright framework for plants to climb.

Benefits of Using a Garden Arch

There are many benefits to incorporating an arch in your vegetable garden:

Maximizes planting space – Training plants to grow vertically frees up the ground below for other crops
Creates focus – An arch draws the eye, creating a focal point in the garden

Provides support – Sturdy structure supports heavy vining crops, preventing breakage
Improves yields – Vertical growth improves air circulation and light exposure, increasing fruit production
Adds height – Raises crops up for easier access and picking

Provides passageway – Arches over paths create shady tunnels to walk through

Choosing Materials for a Garden Arch

Garden arches can be constructed from a variety of materials. Consider the following when selecting materials:

Wood

Cedar, redwood, cypress – Naturally rot-resistant woods that will last many seasons

Pressure-treated lumber – Treated with preservatives to prevent rot and insect damage
Avoid pine, fir – Less durable softwoods that deteriorate more quickly

Metal

Wrought iron, aluminum, steel – Very strong and durable

May require protective coating to prevent rust
Can feel cold in winter

PVC/Plastic

Long lasting, rot proof

Available in white and colors
Very lightweight

Wood and metal arches are usually the most attractive options, providing a classic look in the garden. PVC or plastic arches are inexpensive but look more temporary.

Garden Arch Designs

There are many possible design variations when building a garden arch:

Size

Width – 2 to 8 feet wide
Height – 4 to 8 feet tall

Scale appropriately for space and desired plants

Shape

Basic arch – Rounded or pointed arch shape
Pergola – Flat top with criss-cross beam framework

Arbor – Taller structure creating an overhead canopy

Materials

Wood – Cedar, redwood, pressure-treated
Metal – Wrought iron, aluminum

PVC/Plastic – PVC pipe sections

Decoration

Plain or painted wood
Metal shapes on wrought iron

Lattice or cut-out patterns
Planter boxes incorporated into sides

Consider your garden style, the types of plants to be grown, and the overall space when making design choices for your arch.

How to Build a Wooden Garden Arch

Constructing a wooden garden arch is a relatively simple weekend project for the DIYer. Follow these basic steps:

Select lumber – Use naturally rot-resistant cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine. Minimum 1×4 boards.
Cut pieces to size – Cut 2 legs and 2 arched top pieces. Length depends on arch width.

Mark curve on arches – Nail 1×2 spacer strips along bottoms of top pieces to achieve curved shape. Mark with pencil.
Cut out arch curves – Use a jigsaw to cut along pencil lines and create curved arches.
Sand pieces – Smooth all boards with medium grit sandpaper to remove splinters and rough spots.

Assemble structure – Screw or nail side legs into ends of top arched pieces.
Anchor into ground – Dig holes for legs, place arch and backfill with concrete to secure.
Seal & finish wood – Apply waterproof sealant. Paint or stain as desired.

Be sure to check that the structure is level, plumb, and properly anchored before completing finish work. Then let vines grow onto the arch for a beautiful garden accent!

Building a PVC Pipe Arch

For a lightweight and low cost garden arch, use PVC pipe. Follow these steps:

Cut pipe – Cut 2 pieces of 3/4″ PVC pipe to desired arch width. Cut 2 legs from 1″ pipe, length based on arch height.

Dry fit pieces – Lay out pipes in arch shape and test fit. The 1″ legs should fit snugly into 3/4″ crosspiece ends.
Mark curve – Stand arch upright, space legs apart to match crosspiece length. Mark curve on crosspieces.
Heat & bend PVC – Soften pipe in center of each mark using a heat gun or boiling water. Slowly bend to create arch curve.

Attach pieces – Apply PVC cement to piece ends and join legs into curved crosspiece ends. Wipe away excess cement.
Secure structure – Dig holes for leg depth, place into ground and backfill with concrete to anchor.

PVC arches won’t last as long as wood but provide a very quick and inexpensive project. Be sure to check it won’t bend too much under load before planting.

Metal Garden Arches

For a very sturdy and decorative garden arch, metal is an excellent option. Wrought iron and steel arches can be purchased or custom made using these techniques:

Wrought Iron

Purchase decorative wrought iron components – Support posts, arched sections, finials
Assemble pieces together using screws or welding

Anchor legs into concrete
Very durable and ornamental

Steel

Have pieces custom cut from steel at a metal shop – Specify dimensions & shape

Weld legs to arched pieces for solid assembly
Coat with rust-resistant primer & paint
Affordable option for durable custom arch

Metal arches are very heavy, so be sure to anchor legs deeply for stability. The archway will serve as a wonderful sturdy trellis in the garden for many years.

Placing Your Garden Arch

Consider the overall layout of your garden when determining arch placement. Arches can be used in a few different ways:

Over Paths

Flank a straight path, sidewalk, or driveway

Create a shaded flowering canopy to walk under

Against Fences

Position arch along a fence or wall for vertical growing space
Can be centered, put in a corner, or placed between other plants

Within Beds

Place centrally within a garden bed for a decorative focus
Maximizes planting area by using vertical space

Terrace Divider

Use at top or base of a retaining wall between two level changes

Arches repeating down slope create a lovely cascading look

The ideal spot will suit the size of your arch, provide adequate sun and space for plants to grow onto it, and allow you to best enjoy the beauty of the structure as you move through the garden.

Choosing Plants for Garden Arches

There are many climbing plants and vines that will thrive growing onto a garden arch. Consider the following:

Vegetables

Pole beans
Cucumbers
Peas

Melons
Tomatoes

Fruits

Grapes

Kiwi
Passionfruit

Ornamental Vines

Clematis

Honeysuckle
Jasmine
Trumpet vine

Wisteria

Choose vines suited for your climate and make sure the structure is sturdy enough to support the mature size of the plants. Adding a trellis to the sides of the arch provides extra support and visibility.

Planting & Care

Follow basic guidelines to get arch-climbing plants established:

Amend soil with compost at planting sites
Ensure trellis and wires are securely in place before planting
Train young vines towards and up supports as they grow

Water regularly until plants are established then weekly unless rains suffice
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
Prune excess growth and tie in vines to direct as desired

With proper selection, planting, and care, your archway will soon be covered with beautiful climbers and become the star of your edible garden!

Garden Arch Inspiration

There are endless possibilities when incorporating an arch into your vegetable garden design. Consider these examples:

Rustic Wood Arch with Beans

Unadorned cedar or redwood arch made from natural branches

Planted with pole beans trained to climb up sides
Positioned over path or in corner against fence
Simple, charming look for cottage garden

Metal Arch with Tomatoes

Black wrought iron arch for striking silhouette
Interplant tomatoes at legs to grow up side trellises
Place centrally within a garden bed

The arch will pop against the green and red fruits

Decorative Arch with Grapes

Painted wooden arch with cut-out patterns
Grow grape vines up and over for shade and fruit

Flank along a path or property driveway
Inviting design and edible production

Reviewing photos of garden arches online or in books can provide all kinds of inspiration. Identify a style you love and use it as a guide for your own design.

Conclusion

Installing a garden arch is one of the best ways to maximize growing space for vining vegetable plants. Arches can be constructed from wood, metal, or PVC pipe and placed above paths and within planting beds. Select climbing plants suited for your climate and provide sturdy trellises for extra support if needed. With minimal investment of time and money, an archway will provide vertical growing area and gorgeous visual appeal.