The Trellis Wicket Farm Starter Kit is a larger-volume wicket package for tomato and cucumber growers using lower-and-lean trellising. The Hook and Wicket approach was developed at Neversink Farm for small-scale growers.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
110 × Trellis Wickets in the selected bed width.
Wickets can be combined with Qlipr Hooks, roller hooks, Tomahooks, or other lower-and-lean systems. Instead of leaning vines sideways, the lowered vine is laid or layered over the wickets. This keeps vines and fruit off the ground while reducing unnecessary handling and plant stress.
Wickets are made from zinc-plated, heavy-duty 6 mm steel. Each wicket is made from three pieces.
Place wickets at least every 20" within the row. Standard wickets hold vines approximately 17" off the ground.
SIZE GUIDE
30" bed — Uses the 24" Wicket.
40" bed — Uses the 34" Wicket.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
LowCat or Wicket Risers — Raise the wickets approximately 10" for taller crops and longer vines.
Hook and Wicket
Hook and Wicket
Fast and Easy Trellising
Hook and Wicket
This system was developed at Neversink Farm by adapting proven large-scale trellising methods for small-scale growers.
You can combine Wickets with Qlipr Hooks, roller hooks, Tomahooks, or other vine-lowering systems to create the Hook and Wicket approach.
Traditional lower-and-lean systems move vines sideways as they are lowered. With wickets, the vine is lowered and supported on the wickets instead, helping keep fruit off the ground while reducing unnecessary handling.
The result is a faster, simpler trellising workflow with vines positioned at a more convenient height for harvest.
High production through the season from one cucumber planting using the QLIPR Hook and Wicket system.
Recommended
Trellis Support
QLIPR Hooks without wickets — A well-installed, reinforced support wire or pipe is needed for a traditional lower-and-lean setup.
Hook and Wicket — 1/2" EMT tubing can be laid across the trusses to support the system.
Selecting Your Hook
Hook length is based on the distance from the ground to your trellising support wire or pipe. Use the chart to choose the hook length that fits your setup.
The same sizing method applies to tomatoes and cucumbers. The goal is a comfortable working height. When using 1/2" EMT pipe, the chart positions the bottom of the hook approximately 45" to 53" above the ground. Add approximately 2" when using wire instead of pipe.
"If your workers are on ladders or step stools when trellising then you are burning money" - Conor Crickmore
Labor Saving
High Efficiency
Conor switched Neversink Farm to this system more than a decade ago to reduce the time spent trellising and lowering tomatoes each week. With the Qlipr system, one person can trellis the entire 100' × 30' tomato house in roughly half a day.
Education
Videos on Trellising
For more information about the QLIPR system, Hook and Wicket trellising, and setting up your own trellis, visit our YouTube Trellising playlist.