The ladder problem would come from being a sloped ground and possibly soft soil sinking. Too risky. There is no flat ground here. I have to check motor oil at a parking lot somewhere.
At 6 or 7ft height, I can reach with no problem. I can cut 2 x 4 ‘s into 1.5 x whatever thickness on my table saw. I make mater stakes 1 x 1.5 inches. That would make nice cross pieces. My dad used galvanized pipe for an overhead rack, IIRC, with split 2x4’s.
I have a few section of PVC pipe around here. You could make a ladder-like grid and fold it over like a cattle panel. Hmmm....I see I need to do some thinkingineering.
Sounds like my rotting deck wood..I have to lay plywood down, and set the ladder on that to make sure one of the legs doesn't go through the decking. Even if I try to set the ladder legs over the joists underneath, I'm afraid the decking on top will give way.
Replacing the decking is on my "to do" list..I should've bought it in February when everyone had it on sale. Now, with the garden push, it's further down on my list.