Grow crops that climb

From French beans and tomatoes to butternut squash and even pumpkins, many plants relish the chance to climb. Left to their own devices these plants can often take over huge amounts of valuable space, but by using structures, such as cane wigwams, decorative arches and even trees, you’ll not only create a visual impact but also help make the most of the crop.

It’s best to start small. Many gardeners get a little too excited at the beginning of the season and plant more than they need, then end up with wasted food and feeling overwhelmed by their plot.

It doesn’t matter if you have a single flowerpot or a huge garden; the principles of growing vegetables remain the same. At this time of year there’s always a chance of the odd frost, so knowing which seeds to plant outside and which to keep under cover will save time and heartache down the line.

Reaching new heights

Colin Randel, Vegetable Product Manager at Thompson and Morgan, gives his advice on the best climbing fruit and vegetable varieties for your garden.

■ Runner and climbing beans all grow exceptionally well in the UK, but it’s easy to get bored when the gluts come. Instead you could try borlotto beans, or add colour with the yellow Goldfield variety.
■ Pumpkins and squash plants naturally look to climb and can take up a huge amount of room, but if planted at the base of a tree or fence they’ll intertwine with the branches or posts to create a fantastic space-saving display.
■ For something a little bit different, look out for the Black Forest climbing courgette. It’s an unusual variety but grows best in containers and can be trained up a trellis, stout canes or netting.
■ Cucumbers can climb too. The ‘Vega’ F1 Hybrid variety grows well in pots, so try creating your own salad bed with a cane support for the cucumber with lettuces and a small variety of tomato, such as Vilma, underneath.
■ You can even train some strawberry plants to climb. The Mount Everest variety produces extra-long runners that can be grown up a support frame.

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