Easy PROJECT
This pretty and rustic fan-shaped frame is ideal for supporting sprawling squash plants, keeping crops off the soil
1 Construct the supporting frame of hazel poles
Choose the two sturdiest poles and push them into the soil at an angle so they cross each other about 60cm (2ft) above ground. Tie them in place with twine, then place a third sturdy pole in the middle of the cross to form a tripod. Tie all three poles together with several loops of twine to make sure the structure is solid and secure.
2 Tie in more poles
Working up the two ‘arms’ of the original cross shape, tie more thick hazel poles in place to form a cupped V-shape structure.
3 Neaten the length
Use loppers or a pruning saw to trim the poles down to the same height. About 1.5-2m (5-6½ft) is ideal to support a trailing squash plant.
4 Strengthen the structure
Use a mallet to knock the hazel poles into the ground a few inches each to make sure the structure is solid and won’t tip over.
5 Put in some pea sticks
Smaller sticks help the tendrils of sprawling squash plants grip on to the structure, so push some into the ground between the thicker poles.
6 Prepare the ground
Lightly fork over the soil around the base to remove any compaction. Dig a planting hole about 30cm (1ft) from the base.
7 Plant your squash
Plant after all risk of frost has passed and water in well. A twiggy branch placed next to the plant will help guide its stems to the structure.
Success with squash
This fan-shaped structure is ideal for supporting squash plants as it will keep the fruits away from the soil, where mould and slugs can sometimes be a problem. It’s worth using sturdy poles to support the heavy trailing stems - bamboo canes won’t be strong enou
