Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete
700309 - ContainerGardens_001-272_FINAL.indd 160 5/24/17 12:16 PM
Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete
Job:06-700309 Title: CPS - Container Gardening Complete
700309 - ContainerGardens_001-272_FINAL.indd 161 5/24/17 12:16 PM
160 chapter 3
Support Options
When selecting the appropriate stake, cage,
or trellis system for container-grown plants,
vegetables in particular, there are several things to
keep in mind:
- Veggies that produce heavy fruits, such as
beefsteak tomatoes, full-sized eggplants, and
bell peppers, will no doubt need to rely on a
1x1 hardwood stake, a metal tomato cage,
a teepee, or some other staking system for
support. Their stems don’t grip the staking
system as vine crops do, so you must fasten
the plant to them.
There’s no need to build a trellis when one’s already in
place. Use existing fences, arbors, and even window
bars as support structures for climbing container
plants. These hyacinth beans (Lablab purpureus) and
morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) are quite happy
to cling to whatever they can.
Upcycled trellises are perfect for container gardens.
Here, the skeleton of an old patio umbrella is soon to
be covered with pea vines.
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Caring for Your Containers 161
- Twining crops such as pole and runner beans
and malabar spinach (Basella alba), have
twining stems that coil around their support
system. These plants look great growing up
just about anything they can wrap themselves
around, including hardwood stakes, tree
branches, sunflower stalks, bamboo poles,
teepee legs, and the like.- Vining crops with tendrils growing off their
main stems will grow up and over just about
anything. Cucumbers, winter squash, gourds,
pumpkins, peas, and melons produce small
tendrils at their leaf nodes, and will easily
grow up anything from chicken wire and
chain link fencing, to nylon garden netting
and hardware cloth. To keep them under
control, you’ll need a very sturdy trellis.
- Vining crops with tendrils growing off their
Repurposed household items also make great garden
trellises. Keep your eyes peeled for things like closet
organizers, wire shelving units, and store displays, all
of which are easily transformed into vertical supports
for container plants.
A simple arch of cattle fencing makes an excellent
support for flowering vines and climbing veggies.
Extend the arch between two containers to make a
unique arbor over a walkway or gate.
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