[viettaclark]

I'm growing cucumber (long white) and butternut this year and wondered if I could put them up on a high (4') wood platform in tubs and let them tumble down? Do cucumbers need to climb?

[monsta]

yes 

[mumofstig]

But the butternuts would need supporting in a sling or something similar i think

I now have visions of a pair of butternuts sitting in a bra  

[viettaclark]

Better rethink this one. Did butternut high last year but had another lower surface for the vines to grow onto and put a pillow of chicken wire under each fruit.
Can probably rig up some of that green fence mesh for the cues but how high will they want to climb? Want to be able to reach to pick!!!!

[prakash_mib]

cues climb as high/low as you train them. they cannot climb on their own. they have very little that sling and curl thingy. If you let them loose they will sit happily on ground.

[mumofstig]

mine climbed up to the greenhouse roof and then along the ridge
I don't think they grow quite that tall outside though, but my outside ones died last year, so you need a 2nd opinion

[prakash_mib]

I had only outside ones. two at garden and two at plot. tried my back off to train the ones at garden and they always lie on the floor next day. with the wind we get if you tie them to a trainer they just snap off.

[Paul Plots]

My Butternut squash escaped (with a bit of encouragement) up into the runner bean frame. Fruit did not need any extra support - tough old things as far as the stem's concerned.

When it was time to clear the bean frame I discovered butternut squash hiding all over the place.... so just let them wander where they will .... unless you want them elsewhere. 

[viettaclark]

Reason why I want to grow high is....chickens!!!
I'll try the 4' shelf and have a plastic table on either side for trailing both cues and squash. Sort of like they're on the ground but keeps them clean and away from little beaks!!! Can also grow stuff underneath and chicken wire it off. Good use of space.....
Better get on freecycle for another table!!

[Paul Plots]

Reason why I want to grow high is....chickens!!!
I'll try the 4' shelf and have a plastic table on either side for trailing both cues and squash. Sort of like they're on the ground but keeps them clean and away from little beaks!!! Can also grow stuff underneath and chicken wire it off. Good use of space.....
Better get on freecycle for another table!!

Sounds like a visit to Hong-Kong might give you some tips  - they make vrey good use of space (so I'm told)

[viettaclark]

Now I'm doing this huge expanse of surface it won't be in sun all day. Can cues and squash take shade for half the day?

[Paul Plots]

Now I'm doing this huge expanse of surface it won't be in sun all day. Can cues and squash take shade for half the day?

Yep... I think they'd enjoy it if the summer is a really hot one 

[davethespread]

mine climbed up to the greenhouse roof and then along the ridge
I don't think they grow quite that tall outside though, but my outside ones died last year, so you need a 2nd opinion

so you recommend in-plants then mum

[viettaclark]

Hope the summer IS hot!
Mind you...I'm watering the garden ALREADY even after the months and months and months of rain....

[viettaclark]

Just been out to arrange the surfaces for these cues and squash.
Have got space to grow one cue UP a fence along the loganberry wire and the rest will trail over surfaces.
I shall find out what works best!!!