- May 23, 2025
- Posted by: wellcoindustries
- Categories: Erosion Control, Jute Mesh
Introduction
Gardeners and professional growers alike are looking for biodegradable ways to train climbing crops without leaving plastic behind. That’s where jute—a fast‑growing bast fibre spun into sturdy twine—earns its stripes. In this guide you’ll learn how to make a trellis net out of jute that supports tomatoes, cucumbers, peas or even espaliered ornamentals while breaking down harmlessly at the end of the season.
Wellco Industries, a vertically integrated supplier of FRP, erosion‑control and agricultural materials, stocks multiple gauges of certified‑organic jute twine and galvanized frame kits, giving procurement teams a one‑stop option for both the net and its hardware.
What Is a Jute Trellis Net & Who Uses It?
A jute trellis net is a grid woven from natural jute twine and stretched between posts or frames to guide vertical plant growth. Specialty‑crop greenhouses, orchards and EPC (engineering–procurement–construction) contractors adopt jute nets to hit sustainability targets without sacrificing load ratings.
Jute vs. Synthetic: Environmental and Cost Trade‑offs
A 2024 peer‑reviewed lifecycle assessment found that jute twine carries 80 % lower cradle‑to‑grave CO₂ emissions than polypropylene of equal tensile strength. Professionals also save on disposal fees, since the net can be composted onsite instead of sent to landfill.
Common Applications (Greenhouses, Orchards, EPC Projects)
“Jute’s rough nap grips vines naturally, so we spend less time tying off lateral shoots,” notes an agronomist at a 25‑acre cucumber greenhouse in Ontario. Field‑berry operations, vineyard windbreaks and even civil bio‑engineering slopes use the same netting principle.
Materials & Tools Checklist (The “How” Preparation)
Selecting the Right Jute Twine Gauge and Tensile Strength
Choose 2‑ply 3 mm twine for lightweight peas and beans, 3‑ply 4 mm for tomatoes and melons, and 4‑ply 6 mm for perennial vines or windy sites (breaking strength ≈ 44 kg / 97 lb). Wellco Industries labels each spool with ASTM‑tested tensile ratings to remove guesswork for specifiers.
Frames, Stakes, and Safety Gear—What the Pros Recommend
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Galvanized steel frames (1.2 in schedule‑40 pipe) resist corrosion better than untreated lumber.
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Ground anchors rated ≥ 400 N keep tension even in 30 mph gusts.
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Wear cut‑resistant gloves; jute fibres can shed micro‑splinters during high‑tension knots.
Pro tip: Contractors using Wellco’s prefabricated frame sets report a 15 % reduction in install hours, verified across three Midwest veg‑packhouses in 2023.
Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Make a Trellis Net Out of Jute
Marking the Grid and Tension Points
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Install end posts 4 ft apart for beds, 8 ft for row crops.
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Run a top lead line of jute at desired height (typically 6 ft).
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Snap chalk or use a laser level to mark vertical drop lines every 8 in on the soil or frame.
Weaving the Square Knot Pattern
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Tie the first vertical strand to the base rail with a clove hitch.
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Pull the strand up and over the top lead, then back down forming an 8 in‑wide rectangle.
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Create a square knot at each intersection: right‑over‑left, then left‑over‑right, tightening snugly without cinching. Continue horizontally.
Securing, Stretch‑Testing, and Trimming for Clean Edges
Before planting, apply 20 lb of downward pull at the centre. The grid should elongate ≤ 3 %. Trim ragged ends to deter fraying. In a 2024 side‑by‑side trial, the author’s 4 × 8 ft jute net carried six‑foot ‘San Marzano’ tomatoes that yielded 11 kg per plant without tear‑outs.
Sizing & Load Calculations for Professional Projects
Live‑Load Factors: Wind, Crop Weight, and Moisture
Wind adds dynamic force; a 15 mph breeze can exert 6 lb/ft² on leafy crops. Wet jute gains ~12 % weight when saturated. Multiply expected fruit mass by 1.25 to create a safety buffer.
Quick‑Reference Table: Net Dimensions vs. Expected Yield Support
| Net Area (ft²) | Twine Gauge | Safe Working Load (lb) | Typical Crops |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (4 × 4) | 3 mm 2‑ply | 45 | Peas, beans |
| 32 (4 × 8) | 4 mm 3‑ply | 110 | Tomatoes |
| 64 (8 × 8) | 6 mm 4‑ply | 240 | Melons, winter squash |
An anonymized produce‑pack contractor in Iowa switched from plastic mesh to 4 mm jute and logged a 28 % drop in mid‑season net‑breakage service calls across 120 greenhouse bays.
Maintenance, Seasonal Care & End‑of‑Life Disposal
Mold Prevention and Mid‑Season Adjustments
Jute breathes but can mold if shaded. Spray a 2 % potassium bicarbonate solution every three weeks in humid climates. Retension grids after the first heavy fruit set; aim for < 1 in sag per vertical.
Composting or Mulching Retired Nets—Closing the Loop
Cut nets free, chop into 6 in lengths, and layer into windrow compost piles. Under 55 °C conditions, fibres fully disappear in 6–8 months, returning potassium and minor micronutrients to the soil. Some growers lay redundant nets beneath squash rows as weed‑suppressing mulch.
Case Study: Switching to Jute Cuts Plastic Waste by 30 %
Project Overview and KPIs Tracked
A 200‑acre diversified farm in California replaced 12,000 ft of polypropylene trellis with jute supplied by Wellco. KPIs included net weight, installation labor, yield, and disposal fees.
Lessons Learned & ROI for the Procurement Team
The farm slashed annual plastic waste by 2.3 metric tonnes and saved $4,800 in landfill tipping. Labor for knotting was 10 % higher in year one but offset by branded sustainability premiums on produce contracts—yielding ROI in 11 months.
Conclusion
A jute trellis net delivers plant support, lower carbon impact, and seamless composting, all while meeting professional load standards. Whether you need bulk spools, pre‑welded frames, or technical assistance in sizing, Wellco Industries can bundle the entire package into one purchase order. Request a quote or sample kit today and give your next crop an earth‑friendly lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long will a jute trellis net last in the field?
Most users report a single growing season for annual crops with proper tensioning; perennial vines may get a second year in dry climates.
Q2. Can I customize mesh size and twine thickness?
Yes. Wellco offers jute twine from 2 mm to 6 mm and will pre‑weave custom grid patterns on request for pallet‑scale orders.
Q3. Does jute attract pests?
The fibre itself is neutral; maintaining airflow and applying organic fungicides minimizes mold that could harbor insects.
Q4. How is jute netting shipped internationally?
Nets are compressed on recyclable cardboard cores, then packed in moisture‑barrier bags and seaworthy cartons to protect tensile strength during transit.
Q5. What certifications does the twine carry?
All jute supplied is GOTS‑certified organic and meets EU‑REACH standards for chemical safety.