Vine & Cucurbit Vegetables
Cucurbits are famous for producing more zucchini than any household can eat, but getting there means understanding pollination and giving vines enough room to run. These 6 guides cover spacing, common problems, and what to actually do with the inevitable glut.
Choko
Sechium edule · Cucurbit family
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus · Cucurbit family
Melon
Cucumis melo / Citrullus lanatus · Cucurbit family
Pumpkin
Cucurbita spp. · Cucurbit family
Squash
Cucurbita spp. · Cucurbit family
Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo · Cucurbit family
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my pumpkin or zucchini flowers falling off without fruit forming?
These plants have separate male and female flowers, and poor fruit set is usually low bee activity rather than a plant problem. Hand-pollinating with a small brush, moving pollen from a male flower's centre to a female flower's centre, usually fixes it.
How much space do vining crops actually need?
More than most people expect — pumpkin and squash vines can spread 3–5m, though trellising vertically is a option for smaller gardens and keeps fruit cleaner off the ground too.