Learn How to Grow Zucchini Vertically to Save Space and Unlimited Harvest. This is great for a patio, balcony, or a mini backyard!
If you have an urban home with a small space, then growing veggies upright is a great way to make the best use of the available space. If you love plants from the gourd family, then here’s all you need to know about How to Grow Zucchini Vertically!
Learn how to grow watermelon in pots vertically here
Benefits of Growing Zucchini Vertically
There are several benefits of growing zucchini vertically:
- It improves air circulation that keeps the foliage dry and prevents downy mildew and other fungal issues.
- Growing vertically makes the harvest easy. Also, it makes the fruit more visible, reducing the chances of overgrowth.
- Zucchini prefers plenty of sun and growing it this way ensures every part of the plant gets an even light exposure.
- Last but not the least, this is the best way to grow it in a small space like a mini backyard, patio, or balcony.
Here’s all you need to know about growing cucumbers vertically
Why Should You Grow Zucchini Vertically?
Growing zucchini vertically is a clever alternative if you have a small garden area, as this plant has a sprawling growth habit. This way of planting save space, provide higher yields, results in easy harvest, and hardly takes less than 1 square foot of area.
Check out some really helpful DIY zucchini trellis ideas here
How to Grow Zucchini Vertically?
1. Choosing a Container / Spot
You can start the plant in a 14-18 inches pot with drainage holes at the bottom. Do not use small pots as zucchini doesn’t respond well to transplanting.
If you are growing it in the garden, ensure to amend the soil with plenty of organic matter.
2. Trellis for Support
Use wooden or metal stake poles or branches and sticks. Stick them in the pot or the ground to give the plant proper support from the start. It would be a good idea to train the plants on them when they are about a foot in height/length.
3. Using a Cage
You can also use a tomato cage for growing zucchini vertically. You can make one for yourself or get cheap ones from the market.
Points to Keep in Mind While Zucchini Vertically
- You can also plant it near a fence or a garden wall as the plant makes for a beautiful vine too.
- The plant is a heavy feeder so use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half of its strength, once in 2-3 weeks. You can also use fish or seaweed emulsion.
- Take care of the weeds and eliminate them from time to time.
- A tomato cage works best for potted plants.
- Avoid spilling water on the leaves to prevent fungal issues.
For more details, check out our article on growing zucchini in pots here
Harvesting Zucchini
You can harvest in 45-65 days after planting the seeds, when the zucchini becomes 6-8 inches long. Instead of pulling them from the plant, use a sharp clean knife and make a clean cut.
Great idea! You can plant them closer together this way too. What spacing between rows do you allow?
Gherkins would respond well this this form of planting and would make picking before they get too big so much easier.