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URI Outreach Center

Vertical Gardening

Plant Pro

In our second episode of this two part series looking at the Master Gardeners' Demonstration Vegetable Garden, Master Gardener Susan Estabrook joins us to discuss the benefits of vertical gardening.

Vertical planting is the small gardener's creative solution to adding space to a garden. Some plants actually prefer vertical trellis planting and it solves the problem of the vegetable rotting due to lying on the wet soil. In the case of vine plants like cucumbers and squash that can virtually overrun a garden, the space saving can be astounding.

Before planting, prepare sturdy supports and set them firmly. Anything solid can be used as a support including tripods, trellises or netting and poles. The Master Gardeners utilized cut crabapple tree branches to support the heavy winter squash 'Cha Cha'.

To train vegetables to climb, plant according to directions but as the sprouts begin to grow, gently guide them around the support. Once they have taken hold they will begin to naturally wrap themselves about the pole as they go. Some of the unruly vines may need to be secured to the trellis. Use strips of fabric from rags or cut up old nylons to fasten the vine to the support.

As the vines begin to bear fruit, some of the heavier fruits and vegetables, such as melons or larger squash, might require additional support as they ripen. An old gardening trick is to create a makeshift sling from old nylons, but any fabric will do. Gently support the vegetable in the sling and take the weight off of it by securing the loose end to the trellis.

Plants and Vertical Supports Shown in Plant Pro Segment

Lightweight tripod for our pole bean 'Kentucky Wonder', a meaty, tender pole bean, 65 days to harvest. Available from Burpee Seeds.

Sturdy crabapple tree branch tripod for our Winter Squash 'Cha Cha' - a dark green, slightly flat/round, medium size winter squash, average 4-5 lb. fruits. Bright orange flesh cooks up dry, flaky, sweet and delicious. According to the catalogues, the best eating Kabocha type squash. Long storage potential - 95 days to harvest. Available from Johnny's Seeds.

Trellis and netting for our Diva cucumbers, a 2002 ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS WINNER. According to the catalogues, Diva might be the best tasting cuke on the planet. Smooth, thin, no-peel skin. Distinctly tender, crisp, sweet, bitter-free, and seedless. Disease tolerant and pest-resistant. 58 days to harvest. Available from Johnny's Seeds.

Metal Tripod for our Malabar Spinach. Though not a true spinach, Malabar has thick, dark green leaves which provide tasty greens throughout the summer. The mild flavor makes it equally good cooked or in salads. Heat-loving and vigorous, these handsome plants can be trained onto a fence or trellis, growing to 6 ft. or more." 55 days to harvest. Available from Park's Seeds.

Plant Pro Notes by James Proctor, URI Coastal Fellow / Environmental Media Specialist

Renewable Energy Siting Partnership Stakeholder Meeting #4

When: December 1, 2011, 6pm - 9pm
Where: Hazard Rooms @ URI Coastal Institute Bldg, Narragansett Bay Campus
Details: The focus of this meeting will be presentations on the acoustic impacts of wind turbines and project economics. Attendees must RSVP to Amber Neville at 401.874.6106 or amber@crc.uri.edu due to space limitations.
Directions

The meeting is open to the public, and all are welcome, as the goal is to have a diverse and well-rounded stakeholder process. A light dinner will be provided from 5:30-6pm.

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Holidays in the Park

When: December 10, 2011, 11am - 2pm
Where: Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, Providence RI
Details: Admission-free with donation of a nonperishable good to be donated to RI Food Bank

Escape from the cold outdoors and join us in celebrating the holidays! Activities will include demos on do-it- yourself decorations just in time for the holidays, exciting educational crafts for kids, live music, gifts for every gardener, a raffle and more surprises to come.

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Renewable Energy Siting Partnership (RESP) Wind Resource Assessment Lecture

When: January 24, 2012, 6pm - 7pm
Where: North Kingstown Free Library
Details: URI researchers will present their current work related to the wind resource assessment component of the Renewable Energy Siting Partnership.

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