Peter’s top tips

1 Growing climbing Courgette ‘Black Forest’ up an eight feet high stake saves space in small plots.

2 Allowing melons to spread out over the ground saves the need for small hammocks to support fruits trained up vertically.

3 Mildew disease on cucurbit foliage is likely where plants have been short of water.

4 Putting a mound of damp potting compost around the base of cucumbers and other cucurbits encourages new roots and boosts top growth.