From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Lodi, California

I've been looking for a way to support mh gourd plant and I was wondering of garden lattice works as well as a trellis? Thanks!

1/5/2014 1:24:32 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

If you have the means to build an elaborate trellis, go for it. You can, however, use what you have at hand and do quite well.


http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=114034

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=118236

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=120000

1/5/2014 2:04:26 PM

Bloomington Indiana

Ash, lattice will work but not on the top flat part, I use field fencing and part of my trellis on top has hog panels.
make your trellis minimum of 11' to 12' high 13' is best.

1/5/2014 2:06:36 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

I use cattle panels bent into a U shape between steel fence posts. Here is a look at an early version: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=108154
Since that photo I moved the gourds down to the creek bottom patch. I dug a drainage ditch under the trellis and used the soil to build up the sides. I use 8' steel fence posts with the panels wired on near the top. To get the vines up to the panels I use tall tomato cages. I rotate the planting sites from one side to the other so the soil gets a year to rest and be built up for the following season. I had a minor problem last year when my best gourd decided to grow off to one side, not all the way up in the air. I had to dig a hole so it didn't curl up. Also the trellis makes hand pollinating difficult and I usually leave that chore to the bugs.

1/5/2014 2:46:20 PM

Waynesboro, Virginia

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/DiaryImages/2012/Lrg/177057.jpg

1/5/2014 2:54:45 PM

Waynesboro, Virginia

http://longgourd-growers.com/Trellis/trellis.htm

1/5/2014 6:58:08 PM

Going Green

I'm with Iowegian...Cattle panels are very strong and won't collapse. Also you can actually support a hand or foot on them when moving the position of a long gourd.

1/5/2014 8:24:50 PM

Mnt.pleasant ,tennessee

Vines will rip lattice apart after a year on cheap stuff.its just stapled together.there is plastic lattice last a while. If standing lattice upward have to use 3poles edges & in middle or itll sag.

1/5/2014 8:57:02 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I used lattice my first year just to get the LG experience, now I use cattle panels. For a fella like Ashton, he may want to use 2014 as a testing year to get a feel for long gourds. Regardless, he will need soft cloth, chamois or even nylons to reduce stem stress if he doesn't get a straight pull. Take a look at the trellis' like Blue Ridge suggests and make an informed decision based on your situation.

1/5/2014 9:25:32 PM