What type of metal wire/cable to use for training grapevines?

We have a few small grapevines we want to train so I was going to make a little trellis for them using wire/metal rope. What material is best?  I would’ve guessed galvanized steel, but then I read something online about chemicals on the metal which can be harmful (the type of metal with warnings about washing your hands after handling- seems like it couch leech out into the soil or vines). Stainless steel? Aluminum? Not sure what will hold up well outdoors and be safe to be near food? Also, any idea of gauge to use? Thanks for any advice- I’m a grape newbie.

brooklynmaterials

in Garden Design and Maintenance 12 years and 8 months ago

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brooklynmaterials | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Great idea, Steve, I will contact some wineries and post what I find out.  I also saw some 20 gauge wire at Lowes yesterday designed for “Garden Use” that I think would do the job. I had never even considered that galvanized could have bad effects until I stumbled upon that article.

stevecym | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I have been waiting to see what others would say as i am not sure what i did was the right thing.  I built the framed for my arbor out of rebar which I welded myself.  we do not have a lot of room so I stayed away from 4×4’s and the like.  I then used galvanized wire and now that I have read your concerns, I am second guessing.  I would go with what overherhead says and used the coated cable.  But we do go out on the North Fork alot and I look at the vineyards there and often wonder what they train their grapes on – perhaps with the proliferation of the wineries, maybe a phone call to an east end vineyard would help out? Steve

overherhead | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I used the coated cable that they sell at Lowe’s/Home Depot in the chain/rope section, and ran it through some holes I drilled in cedar.

argylerd | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Consider using pvc pipe or electrical conduit , both available at Lowes or Home Depot.  Low cost and easy to work with.