How to Trellis Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a crisp and refreshing addition to any garden, and growing them on a trellis makes them easier to handle, water and harvest. Learn how to trellis cucumbers in this video by The Home Depot:
You will need the following tools and materials:
- Hand pruners
- Seeds
- Garden trellis
- Twine or rope
- Straw
- Gardening gloves
1. Choose cucumbers: Select the vining variety of cucumber (“sumter” and “marketmore” varieties are easy to trellis). Plant six to ten seeds together and spaced 12 inches apart.
2. Prune plant: Once the plant is established, prune around the base to maximize airflow. Pruning promotes a healthy root system and vertical growth. Later, you’ll want to remove any suckers or lateral growth points off the main stem. Do not prune leaves, nodes, tendrils, flowers or fruits.
3. Install trellis: Choose the garden trellis that best fits your space and will also accommodate your plants. You can also plant seeds around the base of the trellis to help guide growth. Trellising provides extra support, sun exposure and pest/disease control. Using the included stakes, secure the trellis close to the main stem.
4. String plant vertically: Using a thinly twisted rope or twine, secure the main stem to the trellis. Use natural fibers that are biodegradable like sisal or jute. Once new growth starts emerging, continue securing the plant to the trellis every 2-3 inches using string.
5. Mulch regularly: Be sure to top off the area with mulch to help retain moisture, keep roots cool and prevent weeds. Cucumbers do well when soil is topped off with wood mulch or pine straw.
Now your cucumbers will grow vertically and thrive.
