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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Paulines7 on June 25, 2017, 10:42:45

Title: Squash climbing frame
Post by: Paulines7 on June 25, 2017, 10:42:45

I am going to grow my squashes vertically as they will take up less room.  I have been looking for photos of what to build but the forum posts are very old and photos have been removed.

It would be interesting to see the frames that other members have built so I can construct something similar.  If anyone has any photos or ideas please post them.

The squash are growing in 1m x 1m polypropylene containers like the one shown below and each one sits on a wooden pallet.   

 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vegatable-Flower-Herbs-Patio-Garden-Planter-Grow-Allotment-Box-Pot-Raised-Bed/142338161373?_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3Dc4ef72f91c5545d3a16d1543c61789cb%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D14%26rkt%3D50%26sd%3D291749599577

Your help in this is very much appreciated.

Title: Re: Squash climbing frame
Post by: Obelixx on June 25, 2017, 11:23:38

Haven't got a photo to hand as they're all stashed on an external device now but in our Belgian garden I ended up building a fence between us and the field behind using the 5 or 6mm wire mesh you can buy in sheets in builders' yards for reinforcing concrete.  It comes in 5m x 2m lengths and is indestructible.  We attached it to 2m high ordinary wooden fence posts.   I then grew pumpkins and squashes in the bed below and trained the fruiting stems up into the sunshine to help the fruits ripen.   Worked a treat.    Keeps the slugs off too.

The mesh is cheap for its size and can be cut using bolt cutters or you could ask them to cut it for you.

Title: Re: Squash climbing frame
Post by: Tee Gee on June 25, 2017, 11:30:14

Here is a picture of what I used but with a lighter gauge weldmesh than  Obelixx uses
(http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Squash/Squash%20Pics/Squash%20(5).jpg)

Title: Re: Squash climbing frame
Post by: Digeroo on June 25, 2017, 13:50:35

I have grown mine up apple trees

Title: Re: Squash climbing frame
Post by: Paulines7 on June 26, 2017, 09:19:16

Thank you all for your replies. 

I will get some weldmesh but how tall should the structure be please? 

Digeroo, do you have yours in growbags, pots or bare earth beneath the apple trees?  It definitely could be worth doing as I have more squash plants than I have room for at present in my polypropylene containers. 

Title: Re: Squash climbing frame
Post by: Tee Gee on June 26, 2017, 10:02:26

My height is governed by the height of the green house (about five feet) although a lad with on the plots grows on a framework of eight foot canes in his tunnel.

I guess with Digeroo's method you are not so limited to height.

Weldmesh usually comes in standard widths (3',4',6'and more) and you buy it by the metre so the choice is yours really.