| I heard that it's okay to grow cukes on a trellis made of stakes and chicken wire, kind of like a 4 ft. fence. Before I do this myself, I'd like to know if it's okay to do this. The way I see it is cukes get heavy and chicken wire might cut the stems. Please let me know, I have cukes that are way to big for their pot! |
| Cucumbers are usually self supporting on the vine when trellised (especially if you pick them often and do not let them get too big and old). If you're concerned about their weight you can provide plenty of support. Gardeners have fashioned all types of supports from sections of hosiery for smaller fruit such as small squash and cantaloupes, on up to slings made of torn sheets or netting for watermelons and pumpkins. Tie the support to the trellis when the fruit is the size of a baseball or softball and as the fruit grows it will provide adequate support. It is best to use materials that do not stretch too much or the growing fruit will cause the support too sag and not do its job. Check the supports periodically to make sure they are working right. You may find this article, "Trellising Vine Crops", http://www.garden.org/qanda/ng... helpful. Thanks for writing! |
