Growing pumpkins vertically is such a cool garden hack. A way to maximise space for your tiny backyard. These simple tips will allow you to grow them successfully using the vertical gardening hack.
Why you should grow pumpkins vertically?
Many gardeners grow pumpkins vertically due to limited space, but other factors also influence this decision. The foremost one is its protection against pests. When your pumpkins are on the ground, they are more susceptible to pests and diseases. Hanging them eliminates this; the proper air circulation reduces moisture retention, which eventually lowers the risk of disease issues.
It also helps when harvesting the pumpkins, removing the need to bend and move to find the perfectly ripe one. Consider vertical growing, as it is magical and increasingly popular for saving space and promoting good airflow.
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Choose the right support for your vertical trellis
Although this hack is cool to try, growing heavy pumpkins vertically is not that easy. You need firm support to make them grow according to plan. Before you even sow your pumpkin seeds. You need to choose a sturdy trellis to provide your pumpkin with a solid base. Plant the seed next to your trellis for easy climbing. As the pumpkins mature, training the pumpkin vines to climb up your trellis is easy once you know the tricks.
Spot the main vine as it’s the leader of the pack, and let it grow long enough, then guide it to the support. Ties the vines to secure them. Always keep an eye on your vines as they grow upward, and keep pruning extra vines so they can grow quickly. Remove any damaged vines so they can grow in good shape. The point of security is to secure the heavy pumpkins as they grow.
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Caring for your pumpkins
The care is the same whether you grow them on the ground or vertically. They need a lot of water, especially during the hot summer days. You need to be careful, as overwatering will create yellow leaves. If the ground is still damp, don’t water.
Pumpkins do love their fuel, so it is okay to use a balanced fertiliser for a few weeks during the growing season to keep the vines strong and the pumpkins plump. With strong vines, climbing becomes even easier. Maintain the vines and weave them into your trellis or arch. This ensures they will grow up and over and not straight out.
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First published in Garden & Home
Words compiled by: Chumasande Matiwane
Also see: Why adding stones to your garden pots boosts plant health
