The only drawback with the project, if there is one, is the logistics of getting the panels home because they are 16 feet long and cumbersome. But, if you have someone to help you, and around $80 in your garden budget, it is so worth the effort because in a matter of minutes you can create a very long-lasting, beautiful, garden tunnel trellis. I purchased my cattle panels at Tractor Supply, but they are sold at other stores so just check around for the best price and possibly free delivery. Feed stores are a good place to look, but Tractor Supply has always been the cheapest in my area. Each panel is 16 feet long and 50 inches high. For the garden tunnel trellis I use two set up on their ends to form the tunnel. Two panels ends up making the completed garden tunnel dimensions 76” high x 69” wide x 100” long. If you bring the ends closer together, making the tunnel narrower, the height can be raised even more, but I like to keep mine low enough so I can easily reach the vines.
The current total cost for the project at Tractor Supply is $82.48, but if you already have fence supplies that cost can be cut down. If you have tools to cut the metal posts in half the cost can be reduced even more. Each panel needs four posts, so a total of eight, but if you can cut the posts in half you will only need four. Since the panels bow naturally into a u-shape, when placed on their ends, not much post strength is needed at the base to keep them in place so the four foot posts can actually be cut in half, to 2 feet in height with only one foot of the post in the ground. Wooden fence posts can be used, but if your garden tunnel is to be permanent, and long lasting, I would recommend metal stakes. Also, digging holes, and setting posts, takes a while and makes a mess when metal ones can be pounded into the ground in a matter of minutes. Just about any soft, bendable, metal can be used in place of hog rings and t-post clips, but I would advise against any material besides metal as it doesn’t hold up to the elements. Aluminum fence supplies are easy to work with because the metal is soft, bends easily, and doesn’t rust.