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Hand next to a cantaloupe growing in a mesh sling on a vertical trellis in a Kentucky garden

How to Grow Cantaloupe Vertically in a Kentucky Garden

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by

Erin
in
Hand next to a cantaloupe growing in a mesh sling on a vertical trellis in a Kentucky garden

Learning to Grow Cantaloupe Vertically in Kentucky Zone 7

Hey there, fellow Kentucky gardeners! It’s time to spill the tea on my latest backyard adventure—growing cantaloupe vertically on trellises in Central Kentucky

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to make your garden pop with flavor while keeping things fresh and fun. This summer, I decided to grow cantaloupe using a cattle panel trellis for one plant in the ground and for another in a grow bag. Let me tell you, it’s been a surprise, and I’ve got a story to share.

Growing Cantaloupe Vertically in Kentucky 2 Ways

Vertically growing Cantaloupe is a game-changer for small spaces or anyone wanting to maximize their backyard garden’s potential. And honestly, it’s Pretty!

Whether you’re using a cattle panel trellis, as I did for my in-ground plant or an arched trellis for a grow bag setup, this method saves space, keeps fruit off the ground, and makes harvesting a breeze.

Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch those vines climb and those melons dangle like summer jewels. Here’s how I did it, along with some tips to help you grow your own sweet cantaloupe in Kentucky.

Getting Started with Vertical Cantaloupe in Kentucky

Kentucky’s warm, humid summers are perfect for cantaloupe, which thrives in temperatures between 70-90°F. This year I wasn’t able to start all my seeds, since I had 2 surgeries back to back in the Spring. But next year I’d like to try Epic Gardenings Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe, which is short season option according to Epic. I want to have room to plant a fall section of peas after the melon grows.

Since our growing season in Central Kentucky runs from mid-May to early September, I will start my seeds indoors in early April, about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date (around mid-April in central Kentucky).

For the in-ground plant, I prepared a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil amended with compost, as cantaloupes love rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.

The grow bag setup was a 10-gallon grow bag container filled with a mix of potting soil, perlite, and slow-release fertilizer, perfect for container gardening. Both plants were spaced 12 inches apart at the base of their trellises, as vertical growing allows for closer planting compared to sprawling vines

Setting Up the Trellises

The cattle panel trellis for my vertically growing cantaloupe is a beast—sturdy, 8 feet tall, and able to handle the weight of those heavy melons. I secured it with T-posts to keep it stable. You can see how I did it here in this Post.

The arched panel trellis for the 2nd grow bag plant is a bit of a Chaos gardening style! As I put one end in the dirt and a section of rebar at the other end! Making it a low tunnel over some lovely weeds! I might post a picture of that later, after I weed under it!

Both setups are great for the Kentucky’s climate. It’s important to have good air circulation. It helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which, take it from me, can be a Pain in our humid summers.

As the vines grew, I gently trained them up the trellises, using tomato plastic ties to guide them without damaging the stems. Once the melons started forming, I used mesh produce bags (not an affiliate I just bought them on Amazon Here) to support the fruit and prevent them from snapping off the vines.
The bags are a lifesaver, especially for the larger melons on the cattle panel trellis that were starting to break the stems! The melon bags also help repel pests with those tiny mesh holes.

The Joy of Growing on a Vertical Cantaloupe Trellis

When you grow, you know, watching those vines climb was like watching a slow-motion superhero movie! The baby cantaloupes were adorable, but finding that big, surprise melon was the ultimate payoff. Vertical gardening not only saves space but also keeps the fruit clean and helps keep it pest-free, as it’s lifted off the ground. Plus, it’s easier to spot ripe melons when they’re hanging at eye level—no garden yoga required! After surgery, that helps with one less bend in the garden.

In Kentucky, consistent watering is key. The first week I watered deeply, letting the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. But July had other plans for my watering routine.

The rest of July poured in normal Kentucky style. So I kept up the row cover mesh cloth over the arch to keep them from being beaten down and from sunscald. I also kept an eye out for pests like cucumber beetles and striped armyworms.

They can be managed using organic methods:

  • picking them off
  • planting companion plants like marigolds
  • using organic insecticidal soap.

Harvesting and Savoring the Sweetness

How do you know when a cantaloupe is ready? Look for a medium green rind under the netting, a sweet aroma, and a slight crack where the stem meets the fruit. If it slips off the vine with a gentle tug, it’s go time.

Check out my cantaloupe vines climbing the trellis, complete with those cute baby melons:

FAQ: Growing Cantaloupe Vertically

What’s the best time to plant cantaloupe in Kentucky?

Start seeds indoors in early April and transplant or direct sow after the last frost, around mid-May, when soil temps hit 65°F or higher

Can I grow cantaloupe in containers in Kentucky?

YES! While I used a grow bag this time, I have also grown squash in containers. Use a big salt lick tub container. (Look up Gardening with Leon on Youtube). It would work great with a dwarf variety and a sturdy trellis. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

How do I support melons on a trellis?

I purchased those amazing mesh bags from Amazon, but you can use Old onion or fruit mesh bags, pantyhose, or an old t-shirt or jeans to create a sling.

What pests should I watch for in Kentucky?

Cucumber beetles, Asian beetles, Armyworms, and aphids can be an issue. Plant marigolds or basil nearby, or use organic insecticidal soap to keep them at bay. This was the main reason I used the mesh bags to protect the fruit in combination with the organic insecticidal soap and companion planting.

How do I know when my cantaloupe is ripe?

Look for a medium green rind, sweet smell, and a slight crack at the stem. It should slip off easily.

Does a Cantaloupe Require a trellis to grow?

Actually, no, they don’t. If you have room to let them sprawl out, go for it! But if you have a small garden, growing vertically is a fantastic option.

Wrapping Up

Growing cantaloupe vertically in my Kentucky backyard garden has been a delicious adventure, full of surprises and sweet rewards. Whether you’re working with a small patio or a sprawling garden, trellising cantaloupe is a fun, space-saving way to enjoy homegrown melons.

So grab a trellis, Instagram worthy or not, the vines will love it. Plant some Epic Gardening seeds, and get ready to be swept away by your own backyard bounty.

💌 Want more Kentucky garden how-tos like this?

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