So, you want to maximize your garden space for growing. One way is to use a trellis system but what vegetables and fruits grow well on a trellis? Several vegetables thrive when grown on trellises, making efficient use of space and providing support for vining or climbing varieties. Here are some vegetables that grow well on trellises:
- Tomatoes: Many tomato varieties can be trained to grow vertically on trellises, saving space and preventing diseases caused by contact with soil.
- Cucumbers: Vining cucumbers benefit from trellising, keeping the fruit off the ground, reducing disease, and making harvesting easier.
- Peas: Both snow peas and snap peas can climb trellises, maximizing yield in limited space.
- Beans: Pole beans, such as green beans and runner beans, are excellent candidates for trellising, promoting straighter beans and making harvesting easier.
- Squash: Some types of squash, such as butternut squash or small varieties like acorn squash, can be trained to grow up trellises, although they may need additional support for the weight of the fruit.
- Gourds: Ornamental or edible gourds, such as bottle gourds or birdhouse gourds, can climb trellises and create interesting shapes.
- Luffa: Luffa, also known as loofah, is a vine plant that produces sponge-like fruits when mature. It grows well on trellises and requires a long growing season.
- Zucchini: While bush varieties of zucchini are more common, some types of climbing zucchini can be trained on trellises, saving space in smaller gardens.
- Eggplant: Certain varieties of eggplant can be trained to grow vertically on trellises, especially smaller or slender types.
When choosing vegetables for trellising, consider the weight of the fruit and the strength of the trellis. Providing sturdy support ensures that the trellis can bear the weight of the plants as they grow and produce fruit. Additionally, regular pruning and training may be necessary to encourage upward growth and prevent overcrowding. While many fruits are not typically grown on trellises due to their weight or growth habits, there are a few exceptions. Here are some fruits that can be trained to grow on trellises or similar supports:
- Grapes: Grapes are one of the most common fruits grown on trellises. They naturally climb and benefit from being trained on a trellis system for support and improved airflow, which can reduce the risk of diseases.
- Passionfruit: Passionfruit vines can be trained to grow on trellises, providing support for the heavy fruit and making harvesting easier.
- Kiwi: Kiwi vines can be trained on trellises to support their growth and make harvesting more convenient. Male and female vines are needed for fruit production.
- Blackberries and Raspberries: While they’re not typically grown vertically like grapes, some varieties of blackberries and raspberries can be trained on trellises for support, making harvesting easier and saving space.
- Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons: Certain small-fruited or bush-type melons, such as certain cantaloupe and honeydew varieties, can be trained on trellises, although they may need additional support for the weight of the fruit.
- Passionflower: While primarily grown for their ornamental flowers, some varieties of passionflower produce edible fruit. These vines can be trained on trellises for support.
- Tayberries: Tayberries, a cross between raspberries and blackberries, can be trained on trellises, much like blackberries and raspberries, for support and easier harvesting.
- Boysenberries: Boysenberries are another bramble fruit that can be trained on trellises, providing support for the vines and making maintenance and harvesting easier.
- Melons: Smaller varieties of melons, like cantaloupes or honeydews, can be trellised to save space, but they may need additional support for the weight of the fruit
When growing fruits on trellises, ensure that the trellis is sturdy enough to support the weight of the vines and fruit. Regular pruning and training are often necessary to encourage upward growth and prevent overcrowding. Additionally, consider the space requirements and the climate suitability for each fruit variety before planting.
