Growing squash vertically on a trellis will save you space in your garden. Squash grows on vines that can spread and take up a lot of space. Wood trellises provide the support needed for the squash to grow because the plants can become quite heavy. Growing the butternut squash on the trellis will also allow you to harvest them more easily and it will keep them off the ground, where they can be more susceptible to disease and insect infestation.
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Things You'll Need
Compost
Garden Hoe
Wood Trellis
Low Nitrogen Fertilizer
Rototiller
Step 1
Loosen the soil with a rototiller to 10 inches deep. Mix in 3 inches of compost into the soil.
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Step 2
Create 8-inch deep mounds that are 10 inches in diameter with a garden hoe. Space these mounds 3 feet apart from each other.
Step 3
Place a trellis over the mound. Secure the trellis by pushing it into the soil approximately 12 inches deep. A teepee trellis made from wood works well for butternut squash due to its strength. You need a trellis that sits 5 feet above the ground with horizontal rungs.
Step 4
Place the squash transplant into the mounds. You will need one transplant for each mound. The plants need to be centered below the trellis you set up.
Step 5
Water the transplants to moisten the soil. Keep the soil moist and avoid letting it dry out completely.
Step 6
Train the squash to grow on the trellis once each plant reaches 6 inches in height. Tie the squash to the trellis with plant ties. Tie the plant ties on the main stem, but avoid tying too tightly. When the squash plant continues to grow, keep tying it to the trellis.
Step 7
Add a low nitrogen fertilizer monthly to the plant until the growing season ends. Harvest the squash when it matures. The vines will turn brown in color and appear wilted.