Vertical Gardening

They take up less space. They seem to develop fewer diseases because the leaves aren't lying on the ground in contact with soil-borne organisms. And you can harvest your crop standing up.

Cucumbers also like to grow vertically. But, again, it's important that you pick the right variety. For example, a bush-type cucumber's vines won't grow more than a couple of feet out from the base of the plant. The more familiar vining cucumber is an aggressive climber (figure C) whether grown on a trellis, a fence, or a section of reinforced steel mesh that's been stuck in an oak barrel.

In the landscape, the most familiar climbing plants are vines. All vines climb, but not all climb the same way. For instance, pole beans and grapes climb by way of tendrils that twine around a support (figure D). Plants like English ivy climb freely, thanks to adhesive rootlets (figures E and F) that attach themselves to just about anything. The Virginia creeper has adhesive disks at the ends of tendrils, and they too can hold fast to most surfaces. And some vines simply climb thanks to elongated stems that wrap around whatever support is available.

Climbing roses don't actually climb but instead just have really long stems. The stems have no means of support, though, which is why they are ordinarily woven through or tied to some type of support.

There are all kinds of ways to get plants to grow vertically. Some require nothing more than a wall to climb on, such as the English ivy. Just remember that the same adhesive that enables this type of vine to climb can also stick to, and remove, the paint off your house. Others, such as a trumpet vine, do nicely on fences. And some vines really enjoy climbing trees.

Of course, you can buy or make all kinds of trellises for climbing plants, including miniature versions for potted plants. Full-sized models are also available for plants such as the climbing hydrangea, which grows at a snail's pace.

When growing vines or plants vertically, remember to place your trellis or support system in place before you plant to avoid damaging the plant. And remember to anchor it securely. In the case of a pole-bean tripod or cucumber trellis, you should push or hammer your stakes into the soil at least six inches. But in the case of aggressive climbers such as wisteria, it's a good idea to actually cement your support posts in the ground.