dollar store mop buckets, restaurant 5 gallon buckets, existing structure, L brackets

have fun

If you're planning to use 4 x 4's you're planning a very sturdy structure indeed. I'd recommend 2 x 2's. First, take two of them and put a nail or screw in the end. Pre-drill the hole so as to not split the end. Drive these two in the ground about 8 feet apart, down about 2 feet with the nailed end sticking up. Take a third and drill holes in the ends to accept the nails (or screws) and lay this one across the top of the structure. This third 2 x 2 adds stability. For more stability, you can tie a guy line to the ends from the top to a stake. For even more, perhaps do the same thing in the middle.

Consider dipping the ends you drive into the ground into some kind of wood preservative so as to avoid rot. This structure also works well using 4" x 4" netting for vining plants of all kinds. With care, this structure will last many growing seasons, and, for the most part, can be erected and torn down by one person.

Hope this helps!

I built an A frame as so:

Make a panel out of 2x2 lumbers that will support a 4ft by 8ft piece of paneling. It will be a reinforced rectangle about 4 ft high and 8 feet long.

Then make a second identical one.

Lean them together at the top and spread the bottoms about 2 feet apart.

At the top at each end connect that two panels with a piece of wood about 6 inches long.

Then use a 2"x2" 2ft long to connect the bottoms.

hang plants from buckets along the top.

you can also use this as a huge sign support for upcoming elections. Cart it around on a flat bed trailer, easy to knock down.

Can also cover it with clear plastic, and use the election signs to seal off the ends, and you have the basics of a mini greenhouse.