grow cycle beginner ' s corner
OH , GROW UP !
How to Trellis Plants
Wild plants have long taken advantage of the benefits offered through upward mobility . Here ’ s how and why you should follow suit and add some height to your garden .
No one knows when man first started manipulating agricultural crops through trellising , but nature had already discovered the value of upward mobility long before that fateful day dawned . Many vining plants are natural climbers ; they seek higher ground , as elevation provides less competition for sunlight . In the garden , agriculture , and the growroom , the benefits of trellising are obvious . It saves space , making it possible to grow plants closer together and still achieve impressive results . Garden maintenance doesn ’ t require as much bending and stooping , either . Trellised plants may be in a better position to thrive than their ground dwelling brothers , too . Trellising often enhances air flow to plants , reducing problems with powdery mildew , other fungi , and diseases that thrive in moist , still conditions . It also provides some degree of protection from pests that either can ’ t , or are reluctant to , climb to make a meal of tender vegetation aloft . Depending on the crop , these advantages can reduce losses . Getting fruiting plants up off the ground may also produce more attractive and uniform results , such as eliminating white spots on cucumbers and squash . Even though some crops produce smaller or lower weight specimens when trellised , overall yields can be higher to make up for the shortfall . Even better , it ’ s not hard to implement a trellis system . by Sara Elliott
112 grow cycle