Build Your Own Cucumber Frame

There is a simple method to stop cucumbers taking up too much space in the bed. Build a slanted frame as a climbing aid. The cucumbers grow up it, and in the semi-shade underneath you can grow, for example, lettuce. This reduces the row spacing between cucumbers and other plants in classic row companion planting to around 20 cm. In companion planting systems by Gertrud Franck or the Langerhorst family, the frame then spans the two neighbouring rows.

What You Need

All you need is some sturdy, wide-mesh fencing (ideally stock fencing (* Affiliate)), staples (* Affiliate), a few screws and some roofing battens, optionally also posts or simply more roofing battens.

Basic Structure of the Cucumber Frame

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The stock fencing is attached on the left and right to roofing battens. These battens are screwed to posts that have been driven into the bed beforehand. One panel can span roughly 1.5 to 2 metres. For deeper beds, the frame should be split into several panels, as we did with two.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cut the Roofing Battens to Length

Cut two roofing battens per panel. They should be the same length as the fencing or a few centimetres longer. My fencing is 150 cm high, for example, and I cut the battens to 150 cm as well.

Prepare the Fencing

Cut off a piece of fencing as wide as your cucumber frame or one panel of it should be. A mini bolt cutter (* Affiliate) is invaluable here. Always cut in the middle of a rectangle, as you will need the protruding wire ends. About 3 cm of these will later be hammered into the roofing battens. The reason for hammering the wire in is so you can’t injure yourself on the ends of the fencing later.

Bear in mind when calculating the total width that the posts also need space on the outside, and between panels if there are several.

Drill the Holes

Lay the roofing battens on the fencing and drill holes about 2 cm deep, roughly at the height where each wire strand of the fencing lies.

Bend the Wire Ends

Bend the wire at the start and end of the fencing through roughly 90°. The bends should all be roughly in line. Use a pair of combination pliers for this.

Fix the Wire

Insert the wire ends into the pre-drilled holes and tap the wire gently in with a hammer. The wire acts like a nail. Fix some of the wires with a staple. Remember to drive the staples in slightly diagonally, otherwise the wood will split.

Ready to Assemble

Drive posts into your bed at the correct positions. Pre-drill a hole at each roofing batten for a screw. Use this screw to attach the frame to the post.