How to Hang a Gourd Trellis

Sink four, sturdy, 8-foot tall wooden posts at least 2 feet into the ground. Space them 4 feet apart. You can use as many posts as you want to extend the trellis, it just depends on your available space. If you're placing this trellis next to a structure, allow a minimum of 6 inches between the trellis and the structure for airflow. Inadequate airflow can result in fungal infections like powdery mildew.

Staple one end of a roll of wire fencing in several places to one of the end posts. Unroll the wire fence along the posts and staple it securely to each post. When you get to the end, wrap it around the last post and secure it to the other side of the that post with several staples.

Unroll and secure the wire fence to each post until you get to back to the first post. You will have wire fencing on both sides of the trellis. The fencing is only 48 inches tall,so ycut it, wrap and staple it around the top portion of your trellis as well.

Plant your gourds according to the variety you have. Some of the larger varieties may need more space. Generally, 2 to 3 feet between vines is recommended.

Tie the vines to the trellis with twine when they get long enough. Don't tie them too tightly or you might injure the vine. Injury sites are ideal places for disease to enter the vine. Continue to tie the vines and train them upward and over the top of the trellis.

Support large gourds with strips of old nylon hose or t-shirts. Tie one end of the fabric to the trellis, pull it under the gourd like a sling and then tie the other side to the trellis. Gourds over 3 lbs. will probably need support from a sling, but the varying shapes of gourd varieties may require some creative problem solving.