New World Survival · Community Garden Field Manual
Vertical Growing & Space Efficiency Workbook
Use this workbook before installing a trellis, cage, net, pole system or other vertical support. Plan for mature canopy, shade, access, water, structure rules and season-end removal.
This is not a structural engineering specification. Post depth, anchors, fasteners, wind ratings and permanent construction details must come from approved garden, property-owner, manufacturer or qualified local guidance.
2. Structure rules
Seasonal removal?
☐ yes ☐ no ☐ unknown
Fence attachment?
☐ yes ☐ no ☐ approval required
3. Crop habit
| Crop / variety | Habit | Mature size | Self-climbing? | Load concern? |
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4. Plot, north arrow and mature-canopy map
Draw plot boundaries, neighboring plots, paths, gates, water, existing structures, north arrow, proposed support and mature canopy.
5. Shade-impact record
| Area / crop | Current sun | Predicted shade | Acceptable? | Change |
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6. Wind and exposure observation
Who approves structural response? 7. Utility / property verification
☐ No ground penetration proposed
☐ Utility-locating requirement checked
☐ Property-owner requirement checked
☐ Permanent-structure rule checked
☐ Approval or reference retained if applicable
8. Support-system record
| Component | Material / type | Condition | Guidance source | Inspection point |
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| Frame / posts | | | | |
| Base / anchors | | | | |
| Net / wire / string | | | | |
| Connections | | | | |
| Ties / clips | | | | |
| Fruit support if used | | | | |
9. Circulation-path check
☐ Structure stays within approved footprint
☐ Braces do not narrow required paths
☐ Wires/ties do not protrude unexpectedly into circulation
☐ Mature vines/fruit will be trained away from routes
☐ Gate and water access remain usable
☐ Applicable accessibility requirements checked
10. Harvest-reach plan
Highest routine harvest point Two-sided access needed?
☐ yes ☐ no
Both sides accessible?
☐ yes ☐ no
Design change if routine climbing would otherwise be needed
11. Installation record
| Date | Component | Installer | Approval / guidance | Issue |
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12. Training / tie log
| Date | Crop | Action | Stem/tie check | Neighbor/path issue |
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13. Irrigation adjustment
Baseline root-zone behavior Change after vertical growth 14. Structure inspection log
| Date | Base | Connections | Net/wire | Lean / movement | Action |
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| ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | | |
| ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | | |
| ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | | |
| ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | | |
| ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | | |
| ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | | |
| ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | | |
| ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | ☐ good ☐ issue | | |
15. Post-weather-event check
| Date / event | Canopy | Structure | Path / neighbor impact | Repair / remove? |
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16. Failure diagnosis
| Symptom | Likely design cause | Immediate action | Next-season change |
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17. End-of-season removal / storage
☐ Crop removed appropriately
☐ Ties / netting recovered
☐ Reusable support inspected
☐ Damaged parts retired or labeled
☐ Permanent structure approved to remain
☐ Portable parts stored and location recorded
18. Space-efficiency review
Use again?
☐ yes ☐ modify ☐ no
19. Capability check
☐ I matched crop habit to support.
☐ I mapped north, mature canopy and shade.
☐ I verified garden rules.
☐ I checked utility/property requirements before digging.
☐ I can explain the support and inspection method.
☐ I preserved circulation space.
☐ Routine harvest is safely reachable.
☐ I recalibrate watering from root-zone evidence.
☐ I know warning signs requiring repair/removal.
☐ I have a removal or handoff plan.
20. Handoff note
Describe what remains, who approved it, crop history, known weak points and the first inspection the next gardener should perform.