What is a Squash Arch?
It’s not easy to grow squash vertically. Like snap peas, these veggies are heavy. Even a load of zucchini can take down a small trellis, and winter squash is even heavier. That’s why it’s time to consider a DIY squash arch. What is a squash arch? It’s an arch made of PVC piping and fencing tough enough to bear the load of a productive squash plant.
Squash Arch Ideas
It may be possible to buy a squash arch in commerce, but DIY costs less and isn’t difficult to construct. You can build it to suit the dimensions of your own vegetable garden and tailor its strength to the type of squash (summer or winter) you plan to grow. You construct the framework out of PVC piping and metal fencing. Figure out the dimensions once you decide where to put the arch. You’ll need to make it long enough to bridge your garden space and high enough to hold the vine and veggies well above the ground. Consider how wide you want it too, keeping in mind that it will shade the garden bed beneath.
How to Build a Squash Arch
Cut the pieces of PVC piping to fit the space. If necessary, attach several pieces of piping with special PVC glue or use PVS pipe attachments. Pouring hot water into the pipes will make them flexible and allow you to bend them into the arch you want. After you get the PVC pipes in place, attach wire fencing between them. Use a gauge fencing that provides the strength you need for whatever you are growing. Attach the wire with zip ties or pieces of wire. If you want to paint the arch, do so before you plant the squash. Once everything is in place, plant seedlings and direct the vines up the arch. In time, it will fill the entire area and the squash vine will be high above the ground, getting the sunshine it needs.
