The squash is harrier and is just starting to get going. My obelisk came today and I would like to try to train this squash to climb up the obelisk, it would save one heck of a lot of room. My question is, do I place the obelisk to the side of the central rooted plant and what method would you use to tie the vines on? I will be out doing this tomorrow or the next day as we are expecting rain and the hard ground will be a lot softer I hope. If you have done it or seen it, then please give me ideas as growing upwards is a great way to go for my small allotment
My three are planted in the middle of a raised bed in the centre of the obelisk, with a cane next to the squash sloped towards the first rung of the obelisk. As the squash plant grows it will send out tendrils which should grip the obelisk or you can tie the stems into the obelisk. I use plastic clips (bought years ago at Lidl), but soft twine will do. As you can see from the photos below the Crown Prince squashes are growing fast - another week or so and I will start to net them and tie the nets to the obelisk to support them as they grow bigger.
One thing to remember - squashes are thirsty and hungry plants - so be prepared to keep them well watered and fed.
Good luck!
Tricia :wave:
thanks tricia re the cane idea, I`ll copy that next year. I have done it, used a metal rod to get the obelisk seated and tied in wherever I could. I ordered another 3 obelisks for next season as I was so impressed and don`t doubt that it will work well, I have one on this obelisk. Sarah raven has a squash pack in her sale, which I have bought as it contains 3 squashes that are on my list munchkin, red kuri and queensland blue. I am using raised beds 4 x 8 and had been growing one to a full bed, growing 3 this year. It is going to free up lots of space and still leave room for lettuces. Woo hoo, I am so glad you did the original post tricia
ps: your squashes look fab