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Training squash up a trellis

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  • Training squash up a trellis

    Afternoon folks.

    Does anyone have any experience with training (spaghetti) squash using a trellis, rather than letting it trail?

    I have a small area earmarked for herbs (to be moved from elsewhere) and low-lying veg (onions, etc) and am thinking of creating something above the bed to train the vines over. I think if it was 1 - 1.5m tall then enough sun will reach the bed and raised patio behind.

    I'm also toying with the idea of growing in a pot and training it to the trellis, rather than straight into the ground, though I'm not sure of the viability of this (the problem being particularly stony ground, so with a planter with a water reservoir may suffice - if it's big enough).

    Could anyone offer any advice about the size the trellis would need to be (or can I train the vine back on itself, or just pinch it out when it reaches the end?). Also; how strong would it need to be? I have canes knocking about which are spares from my beans but may purchase something a little stronger for this project.

    Thank you in advance, folks.

    As usual I may not have explained properly what I mean and intend to do - I can put a picture/plan up if needed.

  • #2
    firstly, if you're putting it in a pot, you will hve to water more regularly, probably every day in the summer. If you're putting it in the ground, you'd best dig in a lot of manure, they are heavy feeders.
    To trail it, I haven't done spaghetti squash, but i did some crown prince. My advice would be to stop it when you have 3 or 4 viable fruits on it, or less. I left mine to trail along a chainlink fence, they grew really well, but I ended up with one or two from each plant which is a rubbish return as far as I'm concerned.

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    • #3
      I think I saw Gardeners World training squash up a (very sturdy) wigwam but I can't find it anywhere on google- anyone know as I wanted to give it a go

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      • #4
        Ive seen it done (not done myself) but not on canes but on trellis. A bit like this...
        Attached Files

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        • #5
          Try this: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening...ourgettes.html

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          • #6
            here you go! monty don tells all

            BBC Two - Gardeners' World, 2011/2012, Episode 14, Squashes & pumpkins

            think I will have to try this this year
            Death to all slugs!

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            • #7
              Thanks guys, some good info to sink my teeth into.

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              • #8
                I think Monty Don had some on hazel poles but a very clever grape threaded bamboo canes to form a large mesh fence, upon which her squashes scrambled. Very effective and I am cribbing the idea this year before it is patented!
                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

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                • #9
                  I grew spaghetti squashes last year and got 6 from two plants - the smallest was over 5lbs and the biggest was over 7 i think! they were really heavy so put them up something strong!
                  http://meandtwoveg.blogspot.com

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                  • #10
                    My lottie neighbour grows Serpente di Sicilia up the chain link fence very successfully - the fruit grow long rather than fat and are less heavy for the plant to carry.
                    Whooops - now what are the dogs getting up to?

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                    • #11
                      I did a pumpkin trial last year that went up then along .............. http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ks_59611.html?
                      Last edited by bearded bloke; 18-01-2012, 10:30 PM.
                      He who smiles in the face of adversity,has already decided who to blame

                      Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by unclefudgly View Post
                        That's the one!!! Brilliant. I'm definitely going to scrounge some wood and try it too. We could eat 4 butternuts a week in our house- roasted, stuffed, souped...

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