10 Climbing Vegetables That Thrive on a Trellis

Growing vegetables on a trellis can make your garden more space-efficient and easier to manage. It helps keep plants off the ground, which often means healthier crops and a tidier garden. Whether you have a small backyard or just want to try something new, climbing vegetables are a great option to explore.

You’ll discover types of vegetables that naturally climb, making them perfect for vertical gardening and easy harvesting. Using a trellis can improve air circulation around your plants, reduce pest problems, and give your garden a neat, organized look. If you’re curious about what vegetables thrive in this setup, this guide will help you find the best choices for your garden.

Pole Beans

Pole beans are perfect if you want to save space in your garden. You simply let them climb up a trellis or pole, and they grow quickly.

They don’t need much help wrapping their vines around support. Plus, you get more beans from pole varieties than bush ones, making them a smart choice for vertical growing. Check out some tips on growing pole beans on a cattle panel trellis.

Malabar Spinach

If you want a heat-loving green that climbs, Malabar spinach is a solid pick. It grows fast and loves a sturdy trellis to climb on.

You can start harvesting its leaves and stems just six to eight weeks after planting, making it a quick reward for your garden efforts. It’s perfect if you’re in a warmer climate looking to add some climbing veggies to your space. Learn more about growing this vine on a trellis for climbing vegetables.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

If you want a climbing vegetable that keeps giving, indeterminate tomatoes are a great pick. They grow tall and vine continuously, so supporting them on a trellis helps keep the fruit off the ground.

You’ll find they produce tomatoes throughout the season instead of all at once. Using a trellis also makes it easier to prune and harvest your tomatoes. This makes indeterminate tomatoes ideal for vertical gardening and small spaces. For more tips, see indeterminate tomato plants on a trellis.

Snow Peas

You’ll find snow peas pretty easy to grow on a trellis. Their tendrils naturally grab onto supports, making them perfect climbers.

They like cooler weather, so plant them early in spring. Using a simple wood or twine trellis helps keep your plants healthy and makes harvesting easier. For tips on growing snow peas vertically, check out this guide on supporting snow peas.

Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are great for growing on a trellis because they naturally climb using their tendrils. You’ll find they are perfect for cooler weather and are often one of the first veggies you plant in spring.

Using a trellis saves space and helps keep your peas off the ground, reducing the chance of rot. You can even grow cucumbers alongside them on the same structure for efficient use of space and fresh air circulation. For more tips, check out this guide on growing sugar snap peas.

Bitter Melon

If you want a climbing vegetable that’s a bit different, bitter melon is a solid choice. It’s a vigorous vine that loves warm weather and climbs quickly on a trellis.

You’ll get unique, edible gourds that many gardeners find rewarding to grow. Just keep in mind the taste is an acquired one. Learn more about growing bitter melon on a trellis here.

Loofah Gourds

If you want a vegetable that climbs fast and high, loofah gourds are a solid pick. Their vines can grow over 10 feet long, so you’ll need a sturdy trellis for support.

They love warm weather and plenty of space. Once established, these gourds will easily climb up, making good use of vertical garden space.

Zucchetta Trombocino (climbing crookneck squash)

If you want a squash that climbs, Zucchetta Trombocino is a great pick. It grows long, slender fruits on vines that can reach up to 15 feet. You’ll need a sturdy trellis to support those runners. This Italian heirloom is easy to grow and takes up less ground space thanks to its climbing habit.

Plus, it’s pretty resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for your garden. Check out how to grow it from seed here.

Kirby Cucumbers

If you want easy-to-grow cucumbers, Kirby cucumbers are a solid choice. They love climbing a trellis and will wrap their tendrils around supports as they grow.

Using a trellis keeps your cucumbers off the ground, which helps reduce rot and pests. Plus, it makes harvesting a lot easier for you. See more about growing cucumbers on a trellis here.

Sweet Potato Vines

You can grow sweet potato vines on a trellis to save space and keep your garden tidy. The vines climb easily and add a lush look to vertical structures.

Besides the pretty leaves, you can also harvest the young shoots and leaves, which are edible and tasty. Training sweet potatoes on a trellis lets you enjoy both greens and tubers more efficiently. For more tips on growing sweet potato vines, check out this guide on trellis growing.