Making More Space in Your Garden

Vertical Gardening

By Amy Grisak
Photography by Amy Grisak
Across Montana

Even if space is not a factor in garden planning, consider growing a few crops vertically. In many respects, it makes gardening easier. The fruit is easier to see and harvest as there is less need to bend over, and there less potential for plant disease or pest issues, particularly slugs.

- Amy Grisack

It’s time to grow up. For those gardeners whose space is a premium, the remedy just might be growing vegetables vertically. This allows more room for other crops, makes harvesting simple, and reduces overcrowding and potential disease issues. Plus, for those with an artistic eye, the visual interest makes the garden aesthetic even more pleasing. 

As many know, there are vegetables which naturally grow vertically, such as pole bean varieties and many types of garden peas. These crops are often grown on a fence or trellis. But there are many more, and some surprising, options for gardeners seeking to grow more in their garden. 

Think logistically when determining where to place vertical crops as these plants will be tall. Similar to avoiding rows of corn on the south side of a garden so as not to block sunlight to other plants, the same factor must be considered when utilizing trellises or supports. In the same respect, ensure crops grown on a fence or trellis are positioned for adequate sunlight as well. 

Wind is a major factor when positioning vertical crops. While the barrier of vertical crops can benefit the rest of the garden by slowing wind, it's important to understand summer wind direction and plan accordingly. A teepee design withstands wind from any direction, while an elongated structure holds up best if protected by a building or fence or situated with the narrow end facing the gustiest direction. 

Watering is also an important consideration. Overhead sprinklers generally work fine, however there is a risk of moisture not reaching the extent of the crop. The easiest remedy for this concern is the use of a soaker hose at the base of the plants. This will ensure each crop is receiving adequate water without wetting the foliage, which can be a vector for disease.

As for support for a vertical crop, almost anything sturdy enough to hold the plants is fair game. Chain-link or other metal fencing is typically very durable and sturdy. It's also possible to create your own structure utilizing metal fence posts and wire, even bending it to create a living tunnel.  Supports can even be as simple as placing a couple pieces of trellis at an angle and securing them at the top or using bamboo poles to fashion a teepee shape. Another easy project is building a wooden frame and stringing lines back-and-forth on which vines can grip. The support does not have to be highly technical – even garden tools such as tomato cages can support vining crops. 

When it comes to growing vertically, most gardeners think of pole beans or peas. Pole varieties save space and tend to produce more. They will require some training on the support system, which can be done by simply weaving the plants through openings or adding strings to hold them to the structure. They are both excellent crops to grow along a fence, but if one isn’t available, a quick vertical structure can be built with a hog panel supported by t-posts on either end. These are sturdy structures which will last. For those who wish to grow smaller amounts, or even grow pole beans or peas in a container, a tomato cage works well.

One crop often overlooked for vertical growing is cucumbers. Growing cucumbers vertically takes far less space than traditional planting. They grow well by utilizing a support with strings or a rough surface as the prickly tendrils grip and grow up with ease. Cucumbers also climb on any type of fence with adequate openings, although weaving the vines through initially is required. In addition to saving space, growing cucumbers vertically reduces potential disease as many varieties have issues with various fungal infections. Adequate air circulation and watering at the base of the plant reduces the incidence. Growing vertically also makes cucumbers easier to find. When cucumber plants are sprawled across the ground it can be a hunt lifting leaves to find the ripe ones. When they're growing up, though, they're easier to spot.

Like cucumbers, squash and pumpkins are often overlooked as vertical crops. Both require a sturdier fence or a type of trellis. Of course, any metal fence works fine. Another good option is the hog panel system as it is strong enough to hold the heavy vines and fruit. It's also possible to create your own design using wood or trellis materials in a tent shape to support the crop. In general, look for varieties which don’t grow extremely large. For example, a spaghetti squash may weigh four to five pounds while a Hubbard squash can tip the scale at 15 pounds. The same goes for pumpkins, although creative people can figure out ways around this issue. To face the challenge of growing large squash or pumpkin vertically, provide support for the growing fruit. A hammock-type sling crafted of yarn or baling twine woven together to cradle the squash or pumpkin would support the heavy fruit. Any tool which mitigates the weight so it's not pulling the fruit off of the vine will help the larger crops grow vertically. 

Even if space is not a factor in garden planning, consider growing a few crops vertically. In many respects, it makes gardening easier. The fruit is easier to see and harvest as there is less need to bend over, and there less potential for plant disease or pest issues, particularly slugs. Even if it is an experiment with one new crop, discover the benefits of “growing up” this season.