We all need something to hold onto and the cucumbers you are growing are no different. With that being said, trellising cucumbers is technically not required, but after growing them without a trellis for several years I’m a believer in these 5 benefits of trellising cucumbers. Follow my 7 easy steps and take charge of the results!
As a novice gardener, I simply planted cucumber plants and let them grow “naturally”. While I did reap some fruit (quite a bit really), they often took over the garden and became more of a headache than a pleasure.
Still not sure it’s worth the effort to trellis?
5 Benefits of Trellising Cucumbers
- Space – By trellising cucumbers, you will save valuable growing space in your garden. Many of us have limited space for gardening and you will want to use every square inch wisely. A trellis creates vertical gardening while leaving space below for other small plants.
- Airflow Increases – Trellising cucumbers allows the air to flow around the vines, leaves, and fruit. When this occurs, the plants are less susceptible to rot, fungus or insects.
- Easier Harvest – No longer will you need to hunt for your veggies! When the vine is trellised the fruit won’t hide under the leaves and you won’t find yourself on your knees as often.
- Prevents Disease and Rot – When on the ground, the plant is often splashed with mud and this makes it easier for fungus and disease to grow. By trellising the vines we can slow down the spread of disease. Also, once the cucumber forms, this keeps it from sitting on the moist ground and rotting (especially if it has been hiding from you for a few days).
- Adds Charming Beauty – As the vines grow vertically, an eye-catching focal point is suddenly created in your garden. Gravity becomes your partner and pulls the cucumber down and helps it to grow straight. The fruit stays cleaner and the trellis even prevents or minimizes yellow spots that can form after sitting on the soil. So may rewards!
Enjoy The Process
As you might have already realized, I like to use what I have on hand for a lot of my projects. Trellising cucumbers is no different. There are sooo many different methods and suggested materials but remember not to stress about what others are doing, use what you have, make the trellis strong and stable, and just enjoy the process and results. Who knows, you may have so many cucumbers that you will be ready to make pickles (I have an easy recipe for that too!)
7 Easy Steps for Trellising Cucumbers
You will need: cucumber plants, 2 poles, twine, a rubber mallet, and about 30 minutes
- Choose a climbing variety, not a bush variety. Plant the cucumber plants about 12-18 inches apart.
- You will need 2 posts/poles; Use a rubber mallet to install each post at the ends of your garden row. This year I used 2 green metal fence U Posts that I had left from my fencing project. My gardening mentor uses large tree branches (he is much more crafty than me!)
- Stretch a line of twine at the base of the two vertical poles. The twine should be about 2-3 inches off the ground and running along with the cucumber plants. Tie the twine tight!
- Next, repeat step 3 at the top of the poles. Again, tie them tight but be sure not to pull so tight that the poles begin to lean inward.
- For each cucumber plant, cut a section of twine about 6 feet long. Find the middle of the 6-foot piece of twine. Tie these onto the top horizontal twine.
- Then, you will need to tie each end of the 6-foot twine pieces to the lower horizontal twine. Keep watch over the entire trellis as you tie each one. Tie them tight without pulling on the trellis. My goal is to keep the knots tight while keeping the trellis sturdy and balanced.
- Once your plants begin to grow, gently wrap the vines and leaves onto the twine and the tendrils will begin to grab hold in no time. Keep a watch on your plants as they may become unruly and want to trail on the ground. This is where you take control. You can train these vines!
Gardening is Exploring
Have fun creating your unique trellis. Don’t let having the “perfect supplies” stop you. Go to yard sales, antique shops, and junk stores, and be on the lookout for anything that will work as a trellis. Nothing is permanent and part of gardening is exploring! Here’s to straight, healthy cucumbers this season!
