Ideal Cucumber Cage Size

The Benefits of Vertical Growing

• Growing cucumbers vertically on trellises, stakes or cages makes sense for many gardeners. When space is limited, growing cucumbers upward rather than allowing them to sprawl is a more efficient use of garden space. The plants' leaves are broad enough to provide the ripening fruit with shelter from the sun, and the improved air circulation can help prevent various fungi and other ailments that plague cucumbers on the ground. Fruit hanging from the cage will typically grow straighter than those grown on the ground. These are all excellent reasons to use cages.

Cages

• Most growers simply use tomato cages, since they are well-suited for cucumber growers as well. Standard versions range from 24 to 36 inches in height and from 18 to 24 inches in diameter. Those who prefer to make their own cage can do so by shaping an appropriately heavy-grid wire to the correct dimensions. The gaps must be large enough for you to easily reach through to pick the cucumbers. The wire mesh used for reinforcing concrete is suited to the task but requires heavy-duty cutters and much patience.

Cage Size Considerations

• Since cucumbers come in hundreds of varieties with different growth habits, there is no one ideal cage size. Select smaller cages for bush or dwarf varieties, which usually spread to 24 to 26 inches when left to their own devices. Use larger cages for full-sized vines, which can grow to 4 feet or more. Ideally, more cucumbers should be outside the cage than in it when harvest time comes. If your favorite variety of cucumber creates extra long vines, you might wish to build your own cage at 24 inches in diameter and 4 to 5 feet tall.

Other Tips

• The most important thing to remember about growing cucumbers vertically is that they are heavy drinkers at the best of times, and growing them vertically with extra sunshine and air circulation is going to increase their need for water. Irrigate carefully, since splatter on the leaves is a leading cause of fungal problems. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses whenever possible. Check regularly for cucumber beetles or other predators, and pick them off by hand if you find them.