NEED HELP WITH SQUASH AND MELONS! (sorry for long post)

[midori888]

I will NOT Be using tomato cages. I'd like to make my own, from concrete reinforcement wire either that or nylon netting (50 lb. breaking strength).

I'm also not using square foot gardening boxes, but raised beds; each bed will be 4' x 12' w/12" depth.

All types being used are bush types; are compact, short vines, tolerant of being spaced closer together.


The spread (width) of the winter squash is 3'-4' and the height is 10"-12"; vines range in size from 3'-6'.


For weight of fruit...

Butternut-4 to 5 per plant, 1-1/2 lbs. each; 5-7 lbs. total
Acorn-2 lbs. each; don't know how many per plant, doesn't say
Buttercup-approx 4 per plant, 3 lbs. 3-12 lbs. total

Cantaloupe is 2-3 lbs. each; don't know how many per plant, but multiple smaller fruit instead of a few large.

What would the length and width of the cages need to be? Would I have to tie the fruit to a trellis?

Also how big do the openings need to be so the fruit doesn't get caught?

I was thinking of using panty hose, would this work?


Here are some links for the designs I have in mind for trellises and
cages....

(for cages, is pvc going to be strong enough, or too flimsy?)

https://www.insideurbangreen.org/2009/11/garden-update.html


For trellises (strong + will last, not flimsy; easy to build!)



https://deirdrepope.com/my-garden-projects/garden_project_teepeetrellis/

https://www.modernvictorygarden.com/apps/blog/show/2938868-peas-potatoes-and-pac-choi

https://www.growgardentomatoes.com/tomato-trellis.html