## Trellis-Requiring Garden Vegetables
Trellising, the practice of supporting climbing plants on a frame, offers numerous benefits in the garden, including:
– Vertical space utilization: Trellises allow plants to grow upward, maximizing garden space.
– Improved air circulation: Lifting plants off the ground promotes better airflow, reducing disease incidence.
– Increased sunlight exposure: Trellises elevate plants closer to sunlight, enhancing growth and productivity.
– Easier harvesting: Trellising makes fruits and vegetables more accessible for harvesting.
Many garden vegetables thrive with the support of trellises. Here is an extensive list of vegetables that require trellising:
### Beans
– Pole beans: These climbing varieties produce long, slender beans on vigorous vines.
– Bush beans: Some bush bean varieties, such as Kentucky Wonder and Blue Lake, can also benefit from trellising for improved airflow and support.
### Cucumbers
– Vining cucumbers: These varieties, such as Burpless and Sweet Success, produce fruits on sprawling vines.
– Bush cucumbers: While not as common, some bush cucumber varieties, such as Potluck and CompactBush, may also benefit from trellising for space-saving and disease resistance.
### Melons
– Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe vines produce large, sweet melons that require ample support.
– Honeydew: Honeydew vines also produce heavy melons that benefit from trellising.
– Watermelon: Watermelon vines are vigorous climbers that can spread up to 15 feet.
### Peas
– Snow peas: These edible-podded peas have tendrils that cling to trellises.
– Snap peas: Snap peas require stronger support due to their heavier pods.
### Tomatoes
– Indeterminate tomatoes: These varieties, such as Beefsteak and Roma, produce fruit throughout the growing season and benefit greatly from trellising for support and sun exposure.
### Other Vegetables
– Asparagus: Trellising asparagus plants helps promote airflow and prevent disease.
– Eggplant: Trellising eggplants provides support for heavy fruits and improves air circulation.
– Okra: Upright trellises support okra pods and enhance airflow.
– Peppers: Trellising peppers, especially taller varieties like bell peppers, prevents vines from breaking under the weight of fruit.
– Squash: Vining squash, such as butternut and zucchini, can be trellised to save space and reduce fruit rot.
### Choosing the Right Trellis
The type of trellis you choose depends on the size and growth habit of the plant. Here are some popular trellis options:
– T-bar trellis: A vertical trellis with horizontal crossbars for plant support.
– Obelisk trellis: A cone-shaped trellis that provides support for tall, climbing plants.
– Arch trellis: A curved trellis that creates a beautiful focal point in the garden.
– Fence trellis: A trellis attached to a fence for space-saving vertical gardening.
– DIY trellises: You can also create your own trellises using materials like bamboo, twine, or chicken wire.
### Benefits of Trellising
In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, trellising offers other advantages:
– Reduced pest pressure: Trellising can deter pests by making plants less accessible to insects and animals.
– Improved aesthetics: Trellises add vertical interest and beauty to the garden.
– Companion planting opportunities: Climbing vegetables can be interplanted with other vegetables, maximizing garden productivity.
### Tips for Trellising
– Train plants to climb the trellis early in the growing season by wrapping tendrils or stems around the supports.
– Use soft ties or twine to secure plants to the trellis without damaging them.
– Adjust the trellis as the plants grow to provide ongoing support.
– Remove spent leaves and diseased plant parts to promote airflow and reduce disease.
– Consider rotating trellising crops to prevent soil-borne diseases.