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Materials List 3 pieces of 1/2-inch Type L copper pipe cut to equal lengths (ex: 5 feet)
3 1/2-inch copper end caps
1 14-inch clear plastic zip tie
50 feet of 10- or 12-gauge braided copper wire
Directions
Make a large loop with the zip tie (run the pointed end into the opening in the square end. You should hear a "zip" noise as you pull the pointed end through).
Gather the lengths of pipe into a bundle.
Slip the zip tie loop over the bundle and place it 2 inches down from the top of the bundle.
Cinch the zip tie down tightly against the bundle of pipe.
Form a tripod by splaying out each length of pipe. Make sure each leg is equidistant from the others and the center of the tripod. The structure will be most sturdy if each leg is at least two feet apart.
Place end caps on the top of each pipe and wrap copper wire around the zip tie to hide it.
Create additional climbing surfaces for plants by wrapping copper wire around the tripod in a spiral pattern. Make sure that the wire is very taut between each leg, or it will sag under the weight of your plants.
Place the tripod in the garden, driving each leg into the ground 8 to 10 inches.
Plant beans, peas, cucumbers, and other climbing plants around the base of the tripod.
Trellis design adapted from Trellis Craft: How to Make Your Own Copper Pipe Garden Ornaments by Roger A. Beebe (Trellis Craft, 2003).
