Netting for growing squash up?

[Jono]

Hi all,

Going to have a stab at growing my butternuts vertically this year to save on space.

Just wondered if anyone had done this, and if so, what material did you use for the netting? I'm guessing it has to be fairly strong - stronger than plastic pea netting for example?

All I can think of trying to get hold of is old football nets or fishing nets, but they're not exactly in plentiful or free supply.

Thanks a lot.

[legume]

I would agree plastic pea netting is not going to be strong enough - squashes are heavy!

Does it need to be a frame, to fit your growing area? I only ask because a big cane or metal plant obelisk is ideal for growing a squash up (just wind it round and keep tying it in, lightly pruning it back here and there if it gets carried away with itself). Using one myself for my own BN squash this year.

If it does need to be a frame then honestly I would suggest chicken wire, for reliable strength. You can buy this quite cheaply on ebay.

Hope this helps.

[sammy_roser]

What about the kind of metal netting/fencing you get round chicken houses or in between some gardens. Should be able to buy it per metre, it's flexible and should be reusable for years.

Something like this for example

25mm Galvanised Mesh Panel 0.6x0.9m - Gates & Metal Railings -Gardens - Wickes

[VirginVegGrower]

I have seen a fantastic squash frame a la GYO Grape and they threaded bamboo canes through each other, much like you would if weaving ribbon or paper strips. Worked and looked fab. Structurally sound too.

[Bren In Pots]

One year I grew my butternuts up a trailer leaned against the wall using a bit of netting to give them something to cling onto :-

[zazen999]

Hey Jono - good to see you.

I use 2 methods

The weaving of canes as VVG mentioned up there ^. The chicken wire is only on mine in the pic to keep the soil from falling out as it was a compost bed for a year.

And I also make my own netting which is strong enough to take squashes. If it's on a decent frame that is.

Pics below.

[Thelma Sanders]

I grow mine up a wigwam made of tile battens, just tied round and round with twine

[Jono]

Thanks all, that's really useful.

Hey Zazen - that first picture with the canes looks like just the job. I've got lots of old canes and access to some willow too.

I've given up my allotment now I've got a bigger garden, but space is fairly limited. Got to start getting inventive.

I've read recently of people propping them up in old tights too?

[VirginVegGrower]

It was a strong construction. I had a wobble of it and there was no wibble! All removable and reusable!