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.