Many home gardeners grow tomatoes, peas and string beans vertically on trellises, but few realize you can grow other vegetables vertically. Many space-challenged gardeners opt out on growing squashes and melons because they take up so much room in the garden. That's a shame, since these are some of the most rewarding summer crops to grow.

The best part of growing squashes and melons vertically is that you will have room for more tasty varieties. The key is to make sure you have (or build) a sturdy support structure for these babies--no string trellises here. Firmly attach a wood or metal trellis to your fence or individual posts. You can even use a strong garden arbor.

Squash and melons grow fast, so a couple of plants will cover a trellis in no time. For an arbor, select four different varieties and anchor two on each side. This unique growing method will also add visual appeal to your garden. Just imagine an arbor covered with dozens of vibrant squash or fragrant melons hanging like ornaments.

 

This growing method will also encourage you to harvest more frequently, before your squash get too large and tough-fleshed. Besides saving space, growing vegetables vertically will expose them to more sunlight, allowing for more even ripening. It also increases the air circulation around the foliage and fruit so your plants will be less troubled by mildew and other diseases. And, since your fruit is now off of the ground, it will be less susceptible to rotting and less accessible to ground dwelling insects.  

You can grow vertical in containers as well as in the ground. Texas Tomato cages will support cucumbers, squash and melons in containers. In a half barrel, you can plant vertically then surround your veggies with some trailing thyme to lure pollinating bees to your veggies.  

So when you plan and plant your vegetable garden this year, don’t be afraid to go vertical! Let Westwood Gardens help you with your edible landscape. We're here to help you succeed!