Cucumber Top Trellis Tips

• Grow cucumbers on trellises for healthier, more productive plants. Wataru Yanagida/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Growing cucumbers on a trellis may increase yields by two to three times that of conventionally grown cucumbers, according to the University of North Carolina Extension. Cucumbers grown on trellises take up less room and have fewer problems with disease or pests. They produce straighter, more uniform fruits with no yellow "ground" spots. Growing cucumbers on the trellis also eliminates the problem of damaged vines, which can happen when gardeners step on them.

Preparing the Soil

• Cucumbers thrive in fertile, loamy or slightly sandy soils. Lay 40 lbs. of compost or manure over the soil and dig it into a depth of 6 inches to improve fertility, soil texture and drainage. A soil test may indicate the need for lime or sulfur to adjust the pH level, as well as a need for phosphorus or potassium. Side dress the soil with 3 oz. 10-10-10 balanced fertilizer, according to North Carolina State University Extension.

Building the Trellis

• A strong, sturdy trellis endures high winds and provides a good base for the vigorous cucumber vines to grow. Use 6-foot wooden or metal stakes and pound them one foot deep into the ground. Space the stakes 5 to 6 feet apart. Attach a heavy mesh trellis, such as chicken wire or plastic mesh, securely between the stakes with nails, staples or plastic locking ties. Place the trellis in a sunny location with southern exposure.

Planting the Cucumbers

• Plant the cucumber seeds after all chance of frost has passed, placing them 1/2 inch under the soil and 8 to 10 inches apart. As the seedlings emerge, weave the tip of the main stem through the mesh to train it. Remove the first four to six lateral runners to increase yields, according to North Carolina State University Extension. Cucumbers are generally lightweight and don't require additional supports, such as slings, to grow.

Harvesting the Cucumbers

• Harvest the cucumbers when they are 5 to 7 inches long, smooth and hard. Allowing them to grow larger will result in bitter or soft fruits. Harvesting trellis-grown cucumbers is simple, because the cucumbers are visible and easy to reach. Snip the cucumbers off the vines with pruning shears or scissors to prevent damage. Continue picking the cucumbers every two to three days to encourage more fruit production.