Which Vegetable Plants Need Staking?

by Kathy C.
(Jonesboro, GA)

I'm growing zucchini and peppers along with pole beans, tomatoes and cucumbers.

I know the beans, tomatoes & cukes are trellised, but do the peppers and zucchini need staking?

Also, how much room should I provide for each mature plant?

And how many plants should I plan on for only 2 people?

My raised bed is 4x8. Thanks for your help!


Answer:

Hi Kathy,

The zucchini doesn't need to be staked. The peppers shouldn't need to be staked unless they are in a windy location, and/or after they become very heavy with lots of growing peppers.

One tomato, one cucumber and one zucchini plant should be plenty for two people. Each of these vegetables require about 3 square feet of growing room.

You might plant the zucchini in a sunny flower bed if you can. They tend to be "space hogs" in the garden. And with a 4 by 8 raised bed, you don't have a lot of room to spare.

Twenty green bean plants will give you fresh beans for two people. Plant the pole beans on the north side of your garden so that they don't shade your other plants. The bean seeds should be spaced about 3" apart in the row.

Two or three pepper plants should be enough for two people. They should be spaced about 12-15" apart.

In the beginning, you could fill in the empty space around the small tomato, cucumber, and zucchini plants with lettuce. It will be ready to harvest by the time the bigger plants need the space.

Good luck, and send pictures!