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Another way to overcome the space problem is to use trellises. These can be a practical option since plant roots occupy an area much smaller than that occupied by the vine.
My trellis was designed for the Japanese "kabocha" squash, which typically has vines 30 feet long and sets squash approximately every three feet. I later used it to grow a number of different kinds of melons, including "Crenshaw," baby watermelons, and muskmelons. The only limitation appears to be the weight of the fruit and vines. Heavy fruits may drop prematurely unless supported by a sling. Nylon mesh will support the weight, but the plant stem may not. Plants which produce generous crops of medium to large fruits can collapse the trellis, especially in strong winds. Large squash (such as "Hubbard"), large melons, or large pumpkins would require support for individual fruits as well as a much stronger trellis.
In addition to saving space, growing these plants on trellises offers other distinct advantages: the plants are easy to care for; the fruits are not attacked by ground-crawling pests; the fruits stay cleaner; and the fruit are less subject to rot than when lying on soggy soil.
I used ½-inch electrical conduit and 3/4-inch plastic (PVC) pipe fittings. Make trellis legs about 8 to 10 inches shoved into the ground to keep the trellis stable. Make the top bar longer than the actual width of the trellis, since it must project well beyond the position of the pipe fittings. Movement during winds can cause the top bar to "walk" through the plastic fittings. Cover the frame with nylon netting designed for garden use. You will find netting at major garden supply houses. Attach the netting to the frame using garden "twist ties."
Construct a studier trellis frame from one-inch electrical conduit and proportionately larger plastic pipe fittings. This would be a good idea if you plan to grow four "kabocha" vines on one trellis.
You will quickly find that growing cucurbits on trellises frees up garden space and makes it easier to care for your plants. If you have a limited garden area, you can now grow varieties that you only dreamed of before.
For further information contact your local WSU Extension Office.
From The Gardener, Vol. 7 No. 1, Spring 1996
