Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Growing vertically can save a lot of space, especially if you have a
tiny garden site or grow in containers on your balcony. The plants
are often healthier because they don't touch the wet or cold ground,
and therefore attract fewer pests and diseases. Mildew and rot are
common problems for many fruiting vegetables, so it's to your
advantage to keep the fruit off the ground. When your plants grow
upright, you can easily see the fruit to harvest. Gardening can be
backbreaking work, but harvesting off an upright structure is easier
on your body!
Trellis and staking material can be purchased at most garden cen-
ters or from seed catalogs. You can also make structures of your
own out of materials you have on hand. The following is a list of
some common types of trellises and stakes:
•
Plastic or nylon netting.
The plant's tendrils wind around the net-
ting and move upward as they grow taller. The netting material is soft
and easy to work with and will not decay. It can be cut to any size and is
easily washed and stored. White nylon netting has large six-inch open-
ings and is used mainly for larger plants like cucumbers and zucchini.
Green plastic mesh netting has smaller openings, making it a better
option for peas or beans. These trellis materials need to be supported by
some kind of frame.
•
Wooden frame.
You can use scrap pieces of wood, bamboo, small
tree branches, or even an old window frame to build a support for your
netting. Make sure the frame is secure in the ground and attach the net-
ting to the top and bottom of the frame with string, nails, or staples.
Make sure the netting is fairly tight so it will support the weight of your
plant when it starts to fruit.
•
Wooden stakes.
Wood, bamboo, or even small cut trees will all work
well as sturdy stakes. The stakes must be secured far enough into the
ground to give enough support. One foot in the ground for every three
