Gardeners have often seen small vegetables growing on a trellis, but may not be aware that even larger vegetables such as squashes and pumpkins can be grown vertically as well. These types of squash and pumpkins are small enough to do well on a trellis, which benefits plant and gardener alike.
Why Growing Vegetables on a Trellis is Beneficial
Many vining vegetables take up a large amount of garden space if left to ramble around the vegetable plot. By training or tying these edible plants up a trellis or vertical structure, gardeners can save space in the garden. This allows gardeners to double, or even triple the amount of produce they are able to grow!
Growing plants up off the ground is also healthier for the plants themselves. Fruit is less likely to rot from moist garden soil, and foliage is less likely to harbor fungal diseases or pests. Not to mention the fact that harvesting the fruits will be a lot easier when gardeners can see the plants at eye level!
Squash Plant Varieties That Grow on Trellises Easily
Squash plants come in both winter squash and summer squash. Summer squashes tend to mature more quickly and did not historically store as well. Winter squashes have thicker skins, take longer to mature and were able to be stored for a much longer time in cellars or barns.
Summer Squash to Grow on a Trellis:
- Yellow Crooked Neck Squash – a popular yellow squash that matures in about 45 days, the fruit is a medium-small size that does very well growing on a trellis.
- Zucchini – All zucchinis will grow well on trellises and are easier to see hidden in the foliage of the vines.
Winter Squash for Garden Trellises:
- Acorn Squash – a small green squash about 10 ounces in size that takes from 80-90 days to mature. Acorn squash has a firm, sweet flesh, yellow in color, and is easily grown up a trellis.
- Spaghetti Squash – a delicious spaghetti substitute, the spaghetti squash can reach up to 4 pounds so fruit will need a support when grown up a trellis.
- Mooregold – a great winter squash with 2 pound fruits that ripen in 100 days so growing them on a trellis helps prevent the fruit from rotting before ripening.
Pumpkins to Grow up a Trellis:
- Sugar Pie Pumpkin – these sweet pumpkins have smooth, fine flesh that is used to bake pies and grows from 4-6 pounds depending on variety.
- Turner Family Pumpkin – a Jack O'Lantern pumpkin with entertaining warts and dark orange rinds that grows 4-7 pounds in size.
- Baby Bear Pumpkins – only 5-6 inches around, these tiny pumpkins are a favorite for Halloween decorations and fall centerpieces.
By growing vining squashes and pumpkins up a trellis instead of on a hill, gardeners will be able to grow more produce, lose fewer plants to disease, and harvest easier when it comes time to pick their produce.
Angela England - Angela England is a problogger, mother of four (yes I know what causes that), speaker, teacher, labor doula, gardener and so much more.
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