Cucumbers develop best when they are encouraged to grow vertically rather than on the ground. But they are not able to climb if there is no structure to support them. A trellis is built over the cucumbers and other similar plants, and acts as a vertical support. It's pretty simple to make and it's easy to steer the cucumbers in its direction.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Building the Trellis Frame
Step 1. Choose two wooden posts or planks
They should both be 1.2m long and with a square section of 2.5x2.5cm.
Step 2. Use a power drill to make a 6.3mm hole in each post
The hole should be centered and positioned 5cm from the top of each piece.
Step 3. Place the two poles on the ground
The holes must fit together perfectly so that you can see the ground if you look through it.
Step 4. Secure the two posts with a bolt, avoiding overtightening
The bolt must hold the two boards together and at the same time temporarily act as a hinge.
Step 5. Spread the two poles apart to create a distance of 1 meter between one end and the other
Leave them on the ground.
Step 6. Screw a nut firmly onto the bolt
The two boards should now be locked in place, forming the first set of "A" legs for the frame.
Step 7. Repeat the previous steps with two more poles of equal size
These should also form another "A" for the structure.
Step 8. Place the "A" planks at 1.25m from each other
They must not be flat on the ground or parallel to the ground, but perpendicular to the ground, with one side on the ground while the other remains vertical.
Step 9. Attach another 1.25m pole at the top of both "A" letters
This fifth axis should connect the poles to each other. Use a power drill and sturdy screws to hold them together.
Step 10. Attach another 1.2m plank 15.25cm from the top of the A to the lower poles
These are the poles that are now resting on the ground. Always use a power drill and sturdy screws to hold them together. This axis allows to have an upper bar to support the net.
Step 11. Secure another 1.25m pole approximately 15.25cm this time from the bottom of the lower poles
Use the same electric drill and sturdy screws. This axis allows you to have a lower bar to support the net.
Step 12. Repeat the same steps on the top of the frame
This consists of the poles that are currently vertical to the ground.
Part 2 of 3: Fixing the Trellis
Step 1. Place the trellis frame over the cucumber area
The vertices of the "A" must face up. The four ends of the "A" should rest on the ground.
Step 2. Press the structure firmly into the ground
You should try to push the base of each pole about 2.5-5 cm into the ground, keeping the top of the support bar parallel to the ground.
Step 3. Push a stake approximately 2 feet into the ground next to one of the posts in the ground
Tie it securely to the trellis pole with strong string.
Step 4. Stake the other three legs of the frame in the same way
These posts provide extra support to the trellis.
Step 5. Drive half the 2.5 cm nails into all four support bars
The nails should be spaced evenly about 15cm apart. Do not fully insert the nails into the wood.
Step 6. Tie a clothesline-type string to each nail to form a net to allow the cucumbers to climb vertically
Each rope should be approximately 1m long and each piece of rope should connect two nails of the opposing support bars, parallel to the axes of the "A" structure.
You can also use sturdy twine or sturdy wire instead of cloth cord
Part 3 of 3: Orient the Cucumbers
Step 1. Plant the cucumbers under the trellis
They can be spaced approximately 30 cm from each other, in rows separated by a space directly under the lower support bars.
Waiting to plant cucumbers after building the trellis prevents the possibility of the vegetable roots being damaged
Step 2. Wrap the tendrils around the bottom of the thread as they begin to form
You may need to wrap them a couple of times before they stay in place.
Step 3. Continue wrapping the tendrils around the string as they grow
This way, you get the cucumbers used to growing upwards and naturally climbing up the trellis. When they begin to grow to about 30 cm in length and begin to spontaneously wrap around the trellis, it will probably no longer be necessary to intervene to direct their growth.
Step 4. Monitor progress during the growing season
Continue to keep an eye on the plants and arrange for tendrils that do not naturally climb the trellis.
Advice
- For best results, do not plant the "bush" cucumber variety under your trellis. Choose the "screw" variety instead. Bush cucumbers can also benefit from trellis, but the advantage is still less than that which vine cucumbers receive, as the former do not develop in height.
- You can also put square nets on top of the support bars. These are heavier, but it is easier for cucumbers to grow on the trellis.
- Instead of building the trellis yourself, you can consider purchasing one online or at garden supply stores. This too probably requires some assembly work, but it will definitely be minimal.
