Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: STHLMgreen on May 19, 2009, 00:09:51

Title: Support for squash?
Post by: STHLMgreen on May 19, 2009, 00:09:51
I want to try and get my squash plants to climb this year so I can grow things like sallad in between. We grow lots of squash. Any pictures or link to picture of different support structures?



Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: saddad on May 19, 2009, 07:46:31
We are intending to try the "Shark's Fin Squash" up an early learning centre Swing Frame... and Green net...  :)
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: grannyjanny on May 19, 2009, 08:23:37
Early learning centre eh Saddad. Is there something you're not telling us ;) ;) ;).
Janet
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: Hector on May 19, 2009, 08:28:24
Quote from: grannyjanny on May 19, 2009, 08:23:37
Early learning centre eh Saddad. Is there something you're not telling us ;) ;) ;).
Janet

I had visions of Saddad climbing it in polar gear and planting a flag at the top   :)

This thread is really helpful!
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: saddad on May 19, 2009, 08:42:07
A relic from many years ago... usually used for the Achocha..  :)
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: Tee Gee on May 19, 2009, 15:52:39
This was discussed on anther link recently here is the link;

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,51816.0.html (http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,51816.0.html)
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: Psi (Pronounced 'Si'!) on May 19, 2009, 16:11:58
I have just bought a couple of rose arches (http://images.netshops.com/mgen/master:GUI007.jpg - like this) and plan to grow squashes up them - possibly one on each corner (4 per arch).  These will be over walk ways and I guess they need some tying in in places.  That is the plan...
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: 1066 on May 19, 2009, 17:18:09
I'm going to try a few up a frame this year as well, and it will be interesting to see how they get on. I've got some 8ft canes and wire mesh stuff lined up for them.
I like the idea of the rose arches, especially over a walkway - very smart! But do wonder if you might be pushing your luck with 4 per arch. But then I guess it might depend on what variety you are growing

1066
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: Borlotti on May 19, 2009, 17:21:48
I prefer tennis (ha ha).
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: 1066 on May 19, 2009, 17:24:19
So an old tennis net for you then  ;D
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: Duke Ellington on May 19, 2009, 17:26:11
I am doing the same with the rose arches but I am only going to try it with one on opposite sides of the arch. (Two to each arch). If it works I will take photos


Duke
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: Borlotti on May 19, 2009, 17:28:42
I put one squash out last night in the garden by a wall and it has died.  Going away next week so have put a few plants out.  Oh well win some lose some.  The peppers are definately staying in the outhouse but do I trust OH to water them when I am away. Never grown squash before but was impressed with the squash other people had grown on the allotment, and they gave me some, which was good roasted and in soup.
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: Squash64 on May 19, 2009, 17:44:22

I grow many of my squash up 8' bean poles, as in this photo below.

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c333/Aragona/squash/3augba.jpg)

I tie them to the canes until they hang on for themselves.

Photo below shows a row of Sicilian Snakes

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c333/Aragona/squash/IMG_1095a.jpg)

Even heavy squash like this Blue Banana do well

(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c333/Aragona/squash/2006_0806july060007a.jpg)

Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: plot51A on May 19, 2009, 18:31:00
Heres another vote for rose arches. I found some for £3.99 in my local discount store, so bought 3 and have been inspired by the thread about making cloches with the tops of rose arches. I am planning to make a squash tunnel, using canes between the arches and covering with net - I have some nylon non tangle net, it is great stuff and I've grown squashes up it in the past but on a sort of a frame arrangement. It can support quite a lot of weight - I think it says 60lb. Should be enough!
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: tonybloke on May 19, 2009, 19:50:17
Quote from: Borlotti on May 19, 2009, 17:28:42
I put one squash out last night in the garden by a wall and it has died.
harden them off before moving outside!!
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: elvis2003 on May 19, 2009, 19:55:16
Quote from: Psi on May 19, 2009, 16:11:58
I have just bought a couple of rose arches (http://images.netshops.com/mgen/master:GUI007.jpg - like this) and plan to grow squashes up them - possibly one on each corner (4 per arch).  These will be over walk ways and I guess they need some tying in in places.  That is the plan...
what a fab idea,mind if i shamelessly steal it!?
Title: Re: Support for squash?
Post by: 1066 on May 20, 2009, 09:17:47
Quote from: plot51A on May 19, 2009, 18:31:00
Heres another vote for rose arches. I found some for £3.99 in my local discount store, so bought 3

I keep looking out for these, but at a realistic price so far only found them at £20 to £30! Oh well will have to keep looking,

1066