Training squash up a trellis

[Shoot Five]

Afternoon folks.

Does anyone have any experience with training (spaghetti) squash using a trellis, rather than letting it trail?

I have a small area earmarked for herbs (to be moved from elsewhere) and low-lying veg (onions, etc) and am thinking of creating something above the bed to train the vines over. I think if it was 1 - 1.5m tall then enough sun will reach the bed and raised patio behind.

I'm also toying with the idea of growing in a pot and training it to the trellis, rather than straight into the ground, though I'm not sure of the viability of this (the problem being particularly stony ground, so with a planter with a water reservoir may suffice - if it's big enough).

Could anyone offer any advice about the size the trellis would need to be (or can I train the vine back on itself, or just pinch it out when it reaches the end?). Also; how strong would it need to be? I have canes knocking about which are spares from my beans but may purchase something a little stronger for this project.

Thank you in advance, folks.

As usual I may not have explained properly what I mean and intend to do - I can put a picture/plan up if needed.

[taff]

firstly, if you're putting it in a pot, you will hve to water more regularly, probably every day in the summer. If you're putting it in the ground, you'd best dig in a lot of manure, they are heavy feeders.
To trail it, I haven't done spaghetti squash, but i did some crown prince. My advice would be to stop it when you have 3 or 4 viable fruits on it, or less. I left mine to trail along a chainlink fence, they grew really well, but I ended up with one or two from each plant which is a rubbish return as far as I'm concerned.

[salome2001]

I think I saw Gardeners World training squash up a (very sturdy) wigwam but I can't find it anywhere on google- anyone know as I wanted to give it a go

[kfan]

Ive seen it done (not done myself) but not on canes but on trellis. A bit like this...

[veggiechicken]

Try this: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening...ourgettes.html

[unclefudgly]

here you go! monty don tells all

BBC Two - Gardeners' World, 2011/2012, Episode 14, Squashes & pumpkins

think I will have to try this this year

[Shoot Five]

Thanks guys, some good info to sink my teeth into.

[VirginVegGrower]

I think Monty Don had some on hazel poles but a very clever grape threaded bamboo canes to form a large mesh fence, upon which her squashes scrambled. Very effective and I am cribbing the idea this year before it is patented!

[Jelliebabe]

I grew spaghetti squashes last year and got 6 from two plants - the smallest was over 5lbs and the biggest was over 7 i think! they were really heavy so put them up something strong!

[Jeanied]

My lottie neighbour grows Serpente di Sicilia up the chain link fence very successfully - the fruit grow long rather than fat and are less heavy for the plant to carry.

[bearded bloke]

I did a pumpkin trial last year that went up then along .............. http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ks_59611.html?

[salome2001]

here you go! monty don tells all

BBC Two - Gardeners' World, 2011/2012, Episode 14, Squashes & pumpkins

That's the one!!! Brilliant. I'm definitely going to scrounge some wood and try it too. We could eat 4 butternuts a week in our house- roasted, stuffed, souped...