Maximum Yield USA February/March 2023 | Page 20

Cucumber Trellis Ideas
There are many options to choose from , so get creative with them . You can use any vertical support , but finding new ideas is always fun . Here are a few trellis ideas .
• Straight trellis — Most people like to use a traditional-style trellis , which could be tall and straight , or a fan type .
• A-frame — To make harvesting much more accessible , try using an A-frame so your crops will hang down . Beautiful !
• Lean-to — These also work great , plus they allow you to grow stuff underneath them , making it an excellent choice for small gardens .
• Arch — An arch makes for a creative and attractive trellis that uses irregular spaces well .
“ Not only will trellising cucumbers save a ton of space in your garden , but your plants will also be healthier , tastier , better looking , and grow more abundantly with less waste .”
How To Grow Cucumbers on a Trellis
Your trellis must be implemented when your cucumber plants are about four to six inches tall . The bottom of the framework should be secured firmly into the soil to ensure it stays put . Cucumber plants produce long tendrils that you will need to wrap around the trellis as the vine grows . Weave the vine in and out of the framework as it grows . This will provide adequate support for heavy cucumbers once the plant starts producing . The vines will still try to sprawl out vertically , so you must check on them regularly . You can tie the vines onto the trellis using twine or something similar . Make sure you secure them very loosely , however . If you do it too tight , the vine could strangle itself when it grows thicker . Cucumbers need a minimum of five to six hours of full sunlight daily . Pick a sunny location with a clear four to six feet of overhead space to accommodate your trellis .
• Soil — Cucumbers love loose soil , rich in organic matter and with a pH between 5.5-7 . Add plenty of compost or organic matter to the growing medium to boost it .
• Water — Cucumbers have a high-water content , so it is essential to water the plant thoroughly . The cucumber plant needs water if the topsoil feels a bit dry to the touch . To prevent overwatering , check the soil before you water .
• Mulch — Dry spells of weather can harm your cucumber plants . To prevent the soil from drying out too quickly , mulch around the base of the plant . Mulching will also help deter weeds .
Growing cucumbers on a trellis is easy and there are many great benefits . Not only will trellising cucumbers save a ton of space in your garden , but your plants will also be healthier , tastier , better looking , and grow more abundantly with less waste .
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