Ugu, popularly known as fluted pumpkin, is one of the most beloved leafy vegetables in West Africa, especially in Nigeria. Rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, it’s a staple in many homes. But as any experienced gardener knows, growing Ugu isn’t just about planting and watering—supporting your Ugu vines with sticks is an essential part of ensuring a healthy and productive harvest.
In this post, we’ll explore why supporting ugu with sticks matters, how to do it properly, and the benefits it brings to your garden.
Why Ugu Needs Support
Ugu is a climbing plant with soft, sprawling vines. If left unsupported, the vines will trail along the ground, exposing the leaves and stems to pests, rot, and poor airflow.
Here’s why you should always consider staking your Ugu:
– Healthier Plants
Supporting ugu with sticks allows air to circulate better around the plant, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and mildew.
– Faster Growth
When the vines climb, they receive more sunlight. This promotes faster and stronger growth, leading to larger, healthier leaves.
– Cleaner Harvest
Leaves that grow off the ground are cleaner, fresher, and easier to harvest. You’ll avoid dirt-stained or insect-eaten foliage.
– Space Management
Supporting the vines vertically helps you maximize space in small garden plots or containers. You can grow more in less area.
How to Support Ugu with Sticks
Now that you know why staking is important, let’s look at how to do it correctly. Fortunately, supporting ugu is easy and doesn’t require expensive materials.
What You’ll Need:
– Strong, straight sticks or bamboo poles (about 4–6 feet tall)
– Twine, garden tape, or old fabric strips
– A small knife or pruner
Steps:
– Insert the Sticks Early
When your ugu plants are 2–3 weeks old and the vines start to spread, insert your sticks into the soil near each plant. The earlier you do this, the easier it is to train the vines.
– Tie the Vines Gently
Use soft twine or strips of cloth to loosely tie the vines to the stick. Be careful not to tie them too tight—you don’t want to cut into the stem.
– Train the Vines
As the vines grow, gently wrap them around the stick or guide them upward. Ugu vines are naturally climbers, so once they start, they’ll do most of the work themselves.
– Check Regularly
Every few days, check to make sure the vines are growing properly and haven’t detached. Re-tie if needed and add taller sticks as the plant grows higher.
Tips for Best Results
– Use dry, sturdy sticks that won’t rot easily. Bamboo, neem, or other hardwoods work great.
– Space your Ugu plants properly—at least 18–24 inches apart—to allow room for vertical growth.
– Support not just the main vine but also offshoots that start to spread.
– Combine with mulching to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
Final Thoughts
Supporting Ugu with sticks may seem like a small gardening tip, but it can make a big difference in the health and productivity of your plants. Whether you’re growing Ugu for home cooking, commercial purposes, or just the love of gardening, giving your plants proper support helps you grow cleaner, healthier, and more abundant leaves.
Try it out and let us know your experience in the comments. For more gardening tips, recipes, and healthy living inspiration, stay connected to the Estheelicious website —where good food and green living meet.