When you’re planning to grow zucchini, you’ll need to prepare the space for it and ensure that your plants have space to breathe and grow well. However, zucchini plants tend to spread and take up a lot of garden space, which is why many consider vertical gardening. But do zucchini plants need a trellis and if so, why?
Read on as I show you whether or not you should consider vertical gardening with your zucchini plants using a trellis!
Do Zucchini Plants Need a Trellis?
Zucchini is a warm-weather crop that needs to be planted under the full sun after the soil has warmed up. One thing you should know about this plant is that its family (under squash varieties) would have tendrils reaching out from the plant’s stem.
These tendrils would be searching for something to climb on, either going upwards and/or sideways. Furthermore, these tendrils prefer grabbing onto something organic and non-metallic, like twine trellises or wood lattices.
That’s why it’s recommended to choose vertical gardening for your zucchini plants, with a trellis being the optimum option.
However, you may not need the trellis!
This is because it depends on the variety of zucchinis you have. Certain varieties of zucchini may not climb or climb as much as another, so take note of what seeds you get so you know how to prepare accordingly.
Furthermore, there are other suitable methods for growing zucchini, such as:
- You can grow zucchini in a five-gallon bucket, which is suitable when you want large amounts of harvest in small areas.
- You can grow zucchini in containers that have a diameter of over 24 inches, as well as a depth of over 12 inches. When short in the gardening area, this is good to conserve space. However, as mentioned, zucchini plants take up a lot of space and would sprawl across the garden, which is why vertical growing is a good option.
- Zucchini plants can be planted at the base of tomato cages, which will still provide the support and structure for them to lean on as they grow in both size and weight.
Take note, vining varieties of zucchini don’t really require support.
But with that in mind, I recommend that you use trellises to plant your zucchini, as this can help save on space and make it easier on your back while tending to the plants and harvesting its fruit. Besides this, growing zucchini with a trellis would keep fruit from touching the garden ground, lowering the risk of diseases or pest problems.
As long as you do it correctly, you can successfully grow your plants without worrying about space and the like.
Quick Tips on Vertical Gardening Zucchini Plants
Now that you know about using a trellis on zucchini plants, how can you trellis zucchini if you plan to do vertical gardening? Here are some quick tips you can follow:
- You don’t need a fancy trellis at times, you can actually just cross a few boards and thread twine across so it supports your zucchini plant’s vines. Some people use old fence slats or any study support they find, though you can also invest in strong trellises in home and garden centers if you have the budget.
- As the zucchini grows, choose 3-5 healthy vines to grow on, pruning off the peripheral growth. Build a wire framework apart on the poles and tie the vines as they continue growing along the wires so the plant remains supported. Keep the plant’s vines tied and the fruit supported while they grow.
- Even if there is less risk of pests and diseases doesn’t mean it’s free of them! Make sure that you monitor the plant and check for any pests or signs of diseases, addressing them before it’s too late. Also make sure that you continue giving your plants the resources it needs, from water and fertilizer to sunlight.
Do you want to learn more about how to do vertical gardening with zucchini plants? Check out this informative video:
Wrapping It Up
One of the best ways you can save space as a gardener is through building trellises for zucchini and other plants that tend to take up a lot of space. That way, even when you have limited space, you can build an edible garden successfully. While you don’t need a trellis for growing zucchini plants, it’s worth considering with its ease of use and many benefits offered.
I hope that this article answers your question, “do zucchini plants need a trellis?” Now that you’re familiar with the answer, look into investing in a trellis, and see how it works with your gardening goals! Good luck.