DIY cucumber netting: types, how to make, install, and stretch

Many people with their own garden plots try to plant cucumbers. As they grow, they begin to spread quickly, covering a large area. Branches become entangled, which negatively impacts crop growth and fruit set. They become more difficult to care for. To make growing easier, cucumbers are specially equipped with netting. They grow vertically on it. Only a sturdy net should be used, and it must be installed correctly. A photo of cucumber netting shows what this device should be like.

Advantages and disadvantages

Netting for growing cucumbers has its advantages and disadvantages. As the cucumbers grow, they cling to it and begin to grow normally. This design helps conserve space. Netting for cucumbers is used in greenhouses and small garden plots. Gardeners recommend attaching cucumbers to it for preventative purposes. Fungal diseases often develop in high humidity. Keeping cucumbers upright allows them to breathe, reducing the risk of infection.

It becomes easy to take care of the beds and carry out any work:

• watering;
• loosening;
• top dressing.

All the fruit is visible, so there won't be any overripe ones. Tying cucumbers to netting in the greenhouse creates the best conditions for their development. Each leaf and fruit receives ample sunlight and is not damaged. When cucumbers are grown on netting, the vegetables ripen intact, protected from insects and pests. Secured to the netting, they don't touch the soil and hang clean. Growing cucumbers on netting results in neat and attractive beds.

There are no downsides to using this material. Just keep in mind that you'll need to water the area more frequently. The vertical placement creates shade in areas close to the garden beds. A solution is to plant shade-loving plants near them.

Types of materials

There are several types of netting that can be used in greenhouses and open ground. To select the right product, consider the variety and type of vegetable. Some climbing crops require wide and high tension, while others can be easily taut. For greenhouse varieties, it's recommended to use netting made of natural materials. For open ground planting, use a product made of artificial materials.

Plastic

One option for vertical vegetable growing is a plastic product. It's popular due to its strength and durability. A plastic mesh structure easily supports mature cucumbers without breaking under their weight. It can last for several seasons. You can purchase it at any hardware store or make your own from plastic bottles.

Metal

Metal is considered the most durable and reliable support for climbing plants. This type of structure can support many fruits without breaking. It can be used for a long time—approximately five years. However, this type is quite expensive, which is considered a drawback. Since the plants need to be watered frequently, the structure begins to rust over time. Rust is also caused by rain.

Trellis

Many gardeners believe it's better to install a trellis. Additional supports make the structure stronger and more reliable. They are dug in when the garden bed extends over 10 meters. Once the trellis is installed, cucumbers begin to grow along its paths. The vines will cling to the structure and grow upward. A trellis with a mesh size of at least 100 mm is considered the best.

The trellis mesh structure for cucumbers can be directed:

• vertically;
• obliquely;
• in the form of the letter A.

The vine climbs upward by clinging to the device with its tendrils. If installed at an angle, crossbars should be secured across the entire width for stability.

Recommendations for making a mesh

Making your own cucumber netting is not at all difficult. A number of factors influence how long it will take to make it: the materials used and the size of the plot. When installing the netting on a garden bed less than 10 meters long, it is recommended to secure it more securely by using three wooden or metal nets. supportsIf you're installing cucumber netting in a greenhouse, you'll need 2-3-meter posts. To secure the netting, install several slats, each approximately 5 meters long. The netting should be woven from very strong wire.

The simplest design can be made by stretching thin (2 mm) wire between the supports. Weave it horizontally in several rows. A more sophisticated design can be achieved by placing a beam between the posts, from which as many cords as needed are lowered vertically. The cords are taut by attaching a hook to the ends, which is then driven into the ground.

Some gardeners use old car tires and bicycle rims as unusual trellises. A tire cut in half is placed on the ground. A pole is dug into the center to serve as a support. A rim is secured to the top, and a rope is threaded through the holes where the spokes are inserted. The rope is then secured underneath the tire. Soil is filled inside the tire and seeds are planted.

Many gardeners install them in their beds trellis structuresThe base is made of poles and mesh. Today, plastic mesh is available specifically for climbing plants. However, twine, wire, or rope can also be used. Supports can be:

• pipes made of plastic or metal;
• reinforcement;
• thick branches;
• concrete pillars;
• wooden blocks.

A high-quality mesh made by hand can be used in a greenhouse and open ground for several seasons.

Correct installation

Installing cucumber netting is not difficult. You just need to be careful to position the support posts correctly. Then, attach the tension fabric to them. When growing cucumbers on netting, both indoors and outdoors, proper assembly is crucial. First, install the support posts along the edges of the greenhouse; plastic or metal arches can be used instead. It's important that the arches and supports are very sturdy, as they will bear increased loads. They are dug into the ground to a depth of 30-40 cm and compacted well.

When purchasing netting, it's important to check its durability. If this garden netting breaks right in the greenhouse, all the greenery could be damaged. It should be tied in such a way that the entire area is covered. Attaching the netting should start from the bottom and be done taut with rope.

Garter

When growing cucumbers on netting in a greenhouse or garden, it's important to know how to tie them up. Experts recommend tying only those vines that have grown longer than 20 cm.

When additional stems grow, this work will need to be repeated. To ensure secure attachment to the support, it is recommended to stagger the dots. This method of attachment helps the cucumbers send out side shoots more quickly, and the main stem will not grow as quickly. To ensure a healthy bush, pinch the main shoot when it has five leaves.

To reduce the amount of green mass, cucumbers should be pinched out. The nutrients from the soil will be used optimally. After pinching out the side shoots, they will no longer be wasted on the growth of long vines with barren flowers, but will be directed toward cucumber production. Marigolds and mint planted near the support will repel pests.

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Building a cucumber net is easy. It doesn't require a lot of effort or money, and it makes caring for them much easier. This vertical method allows you to grow a bountiful harvest, even in small greenhouses. Simply stretch the appropriate net tightly and be sure to tie up the climbing plants promptly. The resulting harvest will last a long time, as this method significantly increases the yield of vegetables.