Can I grow cucumbers vertically?

Vertical growing of cucumbers saves space and improves the health of plants and the quality of the harvest. I have trellised cucumbers for twenty years and have found that trellising helps produce straighter fruits and fewer diseases. Their strong trellis keeps the vines off the damp earth, which helps prevent rotting. Surplus air growth around the vines discourages mildew.

Opt for varieties of vining cucumbers that have been specifically bred for vertical growth. I would suggest 'Marketmore 76' for reliability, and 'Lemon' for compact spaces. Bush types should be avoided unless they are grown under container teepees. My trained vines will produce double the crop of ground-grown plants on the same ground.

Put up trellises before planting to prevent root disturbance. I establish A-frames early, putting posts 18 inches (45 cm) deep for stability. Plant seeds or seedlings 12 inches (30 cm) apart at the base and grow them up the trellises. This method produces living walls of productive foliage.

Sustain plants with easy week-long care routines. Inspect ties to avoid stem constriction and prune excessive leaves that block sunlight to the fruits. My vertical system makes harvesting uncomplicated - no more feeling through complicatedly tangled vines on hands and knees.

Try one simple trellis system this year, like a nylon net panel applied to posts. My first vertical cucumbers, twenty years ago, bore fruit free of disease and never bent, so I was convinced to trellis all vining crops.

Read the full article: 10 Essential Vegetable Garden Planning Steps