The black Zuchs don't require staking or gaging Mitzi. Nor do the butternut squash. I doubt the chillis do either. Cucumber will grow rambling on the ground or up a trellis. Your choice.

Laying the tiles, or anything else under fruit which sits on the ground is a good idea. Esp if it has a long development period like pumpkin. It helps prevent critters and moulds etc from attacking the skin and it allows the skin to stay drained and dry. You may need to do it with the butternut. Cucumbers, though they grow on the ground, grow so fast they don't really require protection.

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The secret is the soil.

Mitzi I have never caged any of my chilis. For the most part mine are hadry enough to support themselves. Not saying I wouldn't if I thought they needed it. My Thai Chili is about 4 foot tall in a pot as is my Carribean Chili both are big strong plants . My Jalapeno's and Pequine (sp)Serrano's and Tobascco are pretty good size but don't require cages or staking. Your cuke like Longy said will grow up a fence or wire as will some squash but your don't have to be unless you just want to.

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This is interesting, I never staked cukes before?
Always just left trail along. maybe I will try that.
Angie

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Thanks John

I presume i need a pretty sturdy trellis?

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Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks.
Plutarch

I let cukes go up a chainlink fence once. It worked really well.

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