| Can cantaloupes be grown vertically on a trellis? Do the fruits need any special attention when hanging on the vines? |
| Cantaloupes can be grown on a trellis as long as you provide some kind of support for the developing fruit. Train the vines by tying them to the trellis with soft string, so that there's no undue pressure on any of the growing vines. As the fruits develop you'll want to make a sling out of soft fabric for each one. Use old pantyhose or a rectangle of soft cloth and tie the ends to the trellis. As the fruit grows the sling will expand and hold it securely. Be sure to inspect the fruits and the vines frequently to make sure nothing is being pinched or pulled. To harvest larger fruit, pinch off any late developing blossoms so the plant can put its energy into ripening just a few fruit. Enjoy! |
