Vertical trellis gardening is the small gardener's creative solution to adding space to a less than spacious garden.
Some plants actually prefer vertical trellis planting, and it solves the problem of the vegetable rotting due to lying dormant on the wet soil. In the case of vine plants like cucumbers and squash that can virtually overrun a garden, the space saving can be astounding.
Vertical Trellis Gardening Preparation
Before planting, prepare sturdy supports and set them firmly. Anything solid can be used as a support, the more popular being the tripod, trellis, netting and poles. Plant according to directions, but as the sprouts begin to grow, gently guide them around the support. Once they have taken they will begin to naturally wrap themselves about the pole as they go.
Some of the unruly vines may need to be secured to the trellis. Use strips of fabric from rags or cut up old nylons to fasten the vine to the support. Never use sharp or overly stiff ties like floral wire or bread wraps. As the plant grows, the weight of it will cause the wire to begin to cut into the stalk of the plant, causing permanent damage.
Supporting Heavy Produce
As the vines begin to bear fruit, some of the heavier fruits and vegetables, like melons and squash, might require supports as they ripen. An old gardening trick is to create a makeshift sling from old nylons, but any fabric will do. Gently support the vegetable in the sling and take the weight off the of it by securing the loose end to the trellis.
If your garden is surrounded by a fence, consider using the fence itself as a trellis for vertical gardening. Plant vines along the perimeter of the garden and, as they begin to grow, guide them to grow upward along the fence.
Vertical trellis gardening is a great idea for any garden, but it is a must for the small garden and high yields. A smaller garden that might never have supported the unruly vines of something as hoggish as the acorn squash can now produce this vegetable in a 3' x 3' patch.
 | Starting a vegetable garden is a way to save on food costs while providing your family with food that not only tastes better, but is much more nutritious than food that is shipped long distances. |
 | Harvesting vegetables to attain the maximum output isn't always the way to get the most out of your harvest. |
 | A fall vegetable garden is a chance to renovate your garden, or even to start a garden if you didn't have one during spring or summer. |
Vegetable container gardening is perfect for the apartment dweller who loves squash or a condo owner who has always wanted to grow tomatoes. |
When it comes to vegetables, nothing compares to the fresh taste of plucking them from the garden to munch raw or cook them right away. Farmer's Markets can come close, but they're usually only held once a week, and not all cities have them. |
