How to Control Squash Vine Growth?
If you're worried about your zucchini, summer or spaghetti squash taking over the garden, you're not alone. Squash vines grow extremely quickly, especially in hot climates, and those wild tendrils can get out of control before you know it. The good news is you can get ahead of this issue with a trellis or other vine control solution before your garden goes all "Little Shop of Horrors" on you.
Squash Plant Problems: Crazy Growth
To get squash vines under control, you first need to know what not to do. While you may be tempted to break out the shears, the Rivalli Republic points out that removing parts of the vine can be detrimental to squash. That's because leaves feed the growing plant, and slowing down that growth – no matter how speedy it gets – can inhibit your squash from maturing when frosts hit.
You'll have to let your squash go au naturale for a bit, as squash vine control doesn't really start until the plant itself is well started and established. Basically, you need some vines to exist so that you can exert control over the direction of those vines.
As the squash grows, allow for only one squash on each branch of the vine. For bigger varieties, like the Hubbard squash, limit it to one squash per plant. Otherwise, you may end up with a combo of crazy vine growth and immature squash.
Go With a Trellis
To solve extreme growth-related squash plant problems, moving that growth into a vertical direction quite often is the ticket. Stick a trellis near the base of the plant and teach that baby to climb.
As Hobby Farms magazine notes, a basic, all-purpose trellis consists of 2-by-2-inch wooden stakes about 6 to 8 feet high, sharpened on the bottom and driven into the ground about 5 feet apart. Between the vertical stakes, place a 2-by-2 horizontal bar across the top and stake strong garden twine from the bar into the ground near each plant. Of course, this is only one option – whether handmade or pre-built, wooden grid-type trellises, pyramid-shaped trellises and arches also work for squash.
For squash that bears particularly large fruits, the Old Farmer's Almanac recommends adding a support sling made out of strong fabric or stretchy old tights. On top of controlling growth, trellising elevates the squash fruits. This not only looks really attractive in the garden; it also helps prevent the fruit from getting blemished or rotting in puddles as it sits on the ground.
While a trellis is likely the most common solution for controlling the vine problem, it doesn't mean it's the only option – you may not need a trellis if you have a good amount of unoccupied lawn space around your squash plants. In this case, gently move the vines, laying them out so that they can crawl across empty swathes of grass.
Alternatively, you can (also very gently) curl those vines around the base of a neighboring mature plant – a very resourceful and extra eco-friendly option. Circle the squash vines around the base of a stalk of corn, for example, establishing the shape by planting a few stakes in a circular pattern around the perimeter. Once you start the circle by wrapping the vines around the stakes, they'll generally follow that curling growth pattern, though you may need to move the stakes out more widely if the vines attempt to straighten out.
Remember, a light touch is essential when moving squash plants in any capacity. The stems are just as stiff as they are hollow, so be extra gentle if you want to nosh on fresh roasted butternut squash this year.
- Squash vines can be trained to move out of the garden and across an unused expanse of lawn, which can save mowing time by preventing the grass from growing.
- Allowing squash plants to climb upward keeps the fruit off the ground and away from pests.
- Do not prune squash vines, as this can damage the fruit or the entire vine. Squash require as many leaves as possible for mature, healthy squash.
Dan combines his decade-long experience as a freelance writer with hands-on experience in landscaping, flooring, painting, maritime maintenance and handyman work. Previously, he's published with Black+Decker, Geeks On Home, GardenGuides.com, GOBankingRates.com, USA Today and others.