This method is becoming more popular lately, because it allows the gardeners to save more space in the backyard as well as to facilitate the harvesting process. The vertical method is particularly recommended for growing cucumbers, because otherwise, they take up a lot of space.
1.Find a suitable container and trellis
To do this right, you will need a big container around. Cucumbers can be of different kind, so they are treated differently too. For instance, if you grow a vining type it will grow tall, and if you grow a bushy variety, it will remain short.
2.Find appropriate trellis size/Provide support
If you decide to go with trellis, make sure to find ones high up to 6 feet maximum. Have in mind to pick a stiff trellis so it doesn’t bend.
When you place it, keep the lower edge six inches above the soil level. Also, place the trellis in the furthest part of the yard, so the vines do not throw shadow over the remaining plants.
3.Prepare the planting area
It is really important to keep the soil ready for planting. First, you need to dig an eight inch hole in the solid. Then, mix in 1-inch layer of compost while you are tilling the soil.
You can do this by using steady garden rake and mound the soil along the trellis line. This step is relevant, because it raises the planting bed for 2-3 inches above off the ground.
4.Planting and propagation
First of all, sow the seeds. You have to sow them either in the pot or directly in the marked spot. Cover seeds by using 2 cm of soil.
Then, let the seeds germinate. When this process is over, you will notice the seedlings growing leaves, you you’ll need to transfer them.
Start with the healthiest seedlings and transfer them to a larger pot or on the frost-free ground.
Factors that make the vertical cucumber growing possible:
Position
The cucumbers have to be exposed to sunlight as often as possible. Also, the wind is not very friendly to them, so make sure to keep them safe.
Soil
Make sure the soil you plant the cucumbers in, is dry, deep, and loose. The soil has to also be organic as well.
Water
It is important to water cucumbers deep and at all times, so the soil is moist. Also, you will need to perform irrigation equal to an inch of rainfall every three to four days.
If you leave in a drier area, do this more often. Just when the vines start to ripen, you have to increase the mulch to 3-4 inches deep.
Fertilizer
When growing cucumbers vertically, you will have to use fertilizer, placed slowly into the soil. The vines should be fertilized every 2 or 3 weeks.
The plants must not be overfed though, because it will ruin the foliage and will result in less fruits and flowers.
Additional tip:
The cucumbers are best kept picked, so you encourage the vines to grow, blossom and produce more. Also, keep pests away at all times while growing cucumbers.
