How to Make a Trellis for Pumpkins & Watermelons
Trellising frees up space in your garden, as vertical crops require less space to grow than sprawling horizontal crops. Trellising also provides more food in less space, which is particularly important for smaller square-foot style gardens and container gardens. Heavy crops like watermelons and pumpkins are a vertical possibility if you choose the smaller varieties. Not any trellis from the garden center will do, as both require a sturdy structure to properly support their weight without damaging the fruit. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Pound two 6-foot fence posts into the soil using a sledgehammer, spacing them at a maximum of 4 feet apart. Alternatively, place the posts inside large garden pots and fill with quick-setting cement to secure and weight them.
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Hammer in the nails along the front of each post, spacing them 4 inches apart. Drive the nail in until just ½ inch protrudes from the wood.
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3
Wrap heavy-gauge wire around the bottom nail head on the first post. Twist the wire tightly to secure.
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Stretch the wire over to the bottom nail on the second post and twist around the nail two times to anchor it, then pull it back over to the second nail from the bottom on the first post, and repeat. Continue wrapping the wire around nails between the two posts, similar to lacing a shoe.
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Secure the end of the wire to the final nail at the top of the last post. Check that all the wire between the two posts are taut, then twist the wire tightly to finish securing.
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Tie the vines from your pumpkins and watermelons loosely to the wire and post framework as they grow, using strips of fabric or pantyhose to secure.
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Cut out long strips of cloth and tie each end to the wires when fruit begins to form. Tie to the wires under the forming fruit and use the fabric as a hammock or sling to support its weight.
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Tips & Warnings
Trellising also prevents rot, as the pumpkins and watermelons won't be sitting on damp soil. 2-by-1 boards can be used instead of wire to form the trellis. Stretchable fabric works best for slings, as it will continue to fit the fruit as it grows.
Make sure the trellis is securely anchored or use a windbreak in windy areas; otherwise it may blow down and damage or uproot your plants.
