A trellis can be easily constructed using old fencing, bamboo cane, or orange plastic
construction barricade fencing stretched between T-posts. The trellis can be of the
single vertical type placed above the trench between the rows in the 36" wide beds,
or of the A frame design across the 2 rows within the 36"wide beds. A trellis will
produce straighter & cleaner cucumbers and allows easier harvest. Fewer fruit will
be missed if grown on a trellis.
Think aesthetically, your trellis should be big enough to look like it belongs in
its proposed space without overwhelming the garden area. Choose redwood or cedar
for outdoor structures; Note pressure-treated lumber can be used, however the national
organic certification regulations prohibit the use of treated wood in instances
where the organic crop comes in contact with the treated wood or the soil that comes
in contact with the treated wood.
After constructing the trellis cover the entire 36" wide bed including the trench
between the rows with leaves or straw mulch. The mulch will retain moisture, attract
worms, and reduce the growth of weeds in the beds. Any weeds that do germinate are
easily removed by hand or light cultivation. Side-dress plants with 1 tablespoon
of 13-131-13 fertilizer in the trench between rows when the plants show first sign
of blooming and again immediately after harvest of the first fruits. When it is time
to water your plants simply apply a moderate amount of water into the trench between
the row you formed earlier. Do not apply water to quickly as you may wash out soil
holding the water. The water will slowly soak deeply onto the root zone. Using this
method your plants will always have adequate moisture to perform well. It is of great
importance that the soil be kept moist and weed free.
