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.

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.