trellis planting

Hi,

If I am planting anything that is climbing up a trellis (tomatoes, melons, berries) would I still plant it in the middle of the square or more towards the back near the trellis?

thanks, Kari

It depends on the location of your garden and the kind of plants you are growing. Usually, I plant my taller stuff on the north side so they don't shade the shorter plants. Some people that have a lot more sun and longer growing seasons plant things so that the tall plants will provide some much need shade during the summer.

Gwynn

Gwynn, I think she is asking how to plant within the square?

For example, peas. We plant 8 to a square and I think OP is asking where in that square should the peas be placed. Can she venture out towards the front of the square, or should she stick all 8 plant back closer to the trellis?

I am learning this, too, OP. My peas (why I used them as the example...lol) are spaced normally because spacing is required for the root systems. However, I know your likely question of whether the plants will reach back to the trellis. Mine are just now getting to that stage and I'm trying to train them back on the trellis. It seems like they will be climbing the trellis and themselves. I don't know what that will do for production, but I don't think it will affect much. It's just going to look different than I imagined a month ago. And, I will likely make adjustments based on how this spring goes.

I would do the same with tomatoes. Plant one per square, for indeterminates, but I would be "back of center" a little. But, honestly, with tomatoes it won't likely matter.....they get big.

More experienced trellis'ers hopefully will jump in here and correct me if I'm heading for trouble of my own. And, hopefully, either Gwynn or myself got your question answered to your liking.

yes, I was asking about where in the square to plant. It seems that if I plant a tomatoe in the middle I would have to bend it alot!? Right and peas would be climbing each other like you said. Anyone else have experience to share about this?

thanks, Kari

Thanks BBG.

Gwynn

I usually center them in the square, let them get about 18" high & then start guiding them to the trellis. Most plants have enough "give" (flexibility) to let you do this without a problem.

Honestly for the tomatoes ....if your using the velcro fasteners and keeping the first 12" of the plant bare, you can simply unfasten, side the stake out & re-attach to the trellis.

teegan

exactly what acara said

Are you using the nylon net trellis? It won't take long for your tomato to grow big enough that the stem will not be bent to reach the trellis. A good first support is the velcro looped around the stem and then secured to the trellis netting. You can cut the velcro to any length and I just use a long loop at first, so I don't bend the stem.

I planted my peas in two rows in front of my trellis last year, it took them very little time to catch on to the trellis netting. I did try to assist them in reaching in the correct direction at first, but once they reached the netting, they just took care of themselves twining and attaching with those little tendrils. Yes it was a little messy on the bottom six inches of the vines, but no problem.