Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Netting for growing squash up?

Collapse

X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Netting for growing squash up?

    Hi all,

    Going to have a stab at growing my butternuts vertically this year to save on space.

    Just wondered if anyone had done this, and if so, what material did you use for the netting? I'm guessing it has to be fairly strong - stronger than plastic pea netting for example?

    All I can think of trying to get hold of is old football nets or fishing nets, but they're not exactly in plentiful or free supply.

    Thanks a lot.
    Real Men Sow - a cheery allotment blog.

  • #2
    I would agree plastic pea netting is not going to be strong enough - squashes are heavy!

    Does it need to be a frame, to fit your growing area? I only ask because a big cane or metal plant obelisk is ideal for growing a squash up (just wind it round and keep tying it in, lightly pruning it back here and there if it gets carried away with itself). Using one myself for my own BN squash this year.

    If it does need to be a frame then honestly I would suggest chicken wire, for reliable strength. You can buy this quite cheaply on ebay.

    Hope this helps.
    Last edited by legume; 09-01-2013, 09:58 PM.

    Comment


    • #3
      What about the kind of metal netting/fencing you get round chicken houses or in between some gardens. Should be able to buy it per metre, it's flexible and should be reusable for years.

      Something like this for example

      25mm Galvanised Mesh Panel 0.6x0.9m - Gates & Metal Railings -Gardens - Wickes

      Comment


      • #4
        I have seen a fantastic squash frame a la GYO Grape and they threaded bamboo canes through each other, much like you would if weaving ribbon or paper strips. Worked and looked fab. Structurally sound too.
        Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better...Albert Einstein

        Blog - @Twotheridge: For The Record - Sowing and Growing with a Virgin Veg Grower: Spring Has Now Sprung...Boing! http://vvgsowingandgrowing2012.blogs....html?spref=tw

        Comment


        • #5
          One year I grew my butternuts up a trailer leaned against the wall using a bit of netting to give them something to cling onto :-

          Attached Files
          Location....East Midlands.

          Comment


          • #6
            Hey Jono - good to see you.

            I use 2 methods

            The weaving of canes as VVG mentioned up there ^. The chicken wire is only on mine in the pic to keep the soil from falling out as it was a compost bed for a year.

            And I also make my own netting which is strong enough to take squashes. If it's on a decent frame that is.

            Pics below.
            Attached Files
            Last edited by zazen999; 10-01-2013, 07:16 AM.

            Comment


            • #7
              I grow mine up a wigwam made of tile battens, just tied round and round with twine

              Comment


              • #8
                Thanks all, that's really useful.

                Hey Zazen - that first picture with the canes looks like just the job. I've got lots of old canes and access to some willow too.

                I've given up my allotment now I've got a bigger garden, but space is fairly limited. Got to start getting inventive.

                I've read recently of people propping them up in old tights too?
                Real Men Sow - a cheery allotment blog.

                Comment


                • #9
                  It was a strong construction. I had a wobble of it and there was no wibble! All removable and reusable!
                  Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better...Albert Einstein

                  Blog - @Twotheridge: For The Record - Sowing and Growing with a Virgin Veg Grower: Spring Has Now Sprung...Boing! http://vvgsowingandgrowing2012.blogs....html?spref=tw

                  Comment

                  Latest Topics

                  Collapse

                  Recent Blog Posts

                  Collapse
                  Working...
                  X