How to Grow Vertical Squash in a Small Space

Small yards and patios make it challenging for avid gardeners to find enough space to grow sun-loving vegetables and flowers. “Growing up,” in the directional sense, is one time-tested strategy. Squash can be particularly challenging, though, because true vining squash are winter varieties. These warm-season vegetables produce very large, heavy fruits that mature in early fall and keep well for winter use. Vines need lots of space -- even when growth is directed vertically, so you'll need some sturdy trellises and supports to hold the weight of the fruit.

Livestock panel or very stiff wire fencing, if needed
Metal T-posts, if needed
Garden spade
Garden shovel
Garden gloves
Well-rotted manure and compost
Pine straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings (pesticide-free)
Strips of strong cotton cloth or rags, or old pantyhose

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the planting area in spring as early as the soil can be worked. Choose a spot with full sun most of the day. In cooler climates, plant your vertical squash next to a garage or shed wall, as these will generate radiant heat. Planting alongside a suitable fence makes adding a support structure unnecessary.
- 2
  Spade and turn over the soil. Spread several inches of well-rotted manure and compost over the entire planting area. Dig up and thoroughly cultivate the soil again, mixing organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil.
- 3
  Erect your squash support, if one is needed. Place it at least 4 to 6 inches away from any solid wall, to leave room for vine attachment and good air circulation. Pound in the metal T-posts and attach the metal livestock fence panel or other stiff fencing with pieces of wire.
- 4
  Plant after frost danger is past and the soil is thoroughly warm -- at least 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground-grown vines prefer 50 to 100 square feet of “sprawl space” per hill, so provide the same amount of vertical support, if possible. Sow four to five seeds per hill -- thinning them down later to two or three after the seedlings are established and have grown 3 or 4 inches -- or transplant several seedlings, allowing 6 feet between hills. In a small space, you will probably only have room for 1 or 2 hills.
- 5
  Mulch the soil with 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, to deter weeds, stabilize soil temperature and conserve moisture. Squash plants grown vertically are more exposed to wind and sun and need more water. Keep the soil evenly moist to support steady growth and fruit development.
- 6
  Make “fruit slings” out of the legs of old pantyhose or strips of cloth 6 to 10 inches wide and 24 to 36 inches long. Slip the slings under developing fruits before they weigh 2 pounds and then tie both ends together around horizontal and vertical supports directly above.

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