To further save space, grow plants vertically. For example, cucumber and winter squash take up too much space to be justified in a small plot. However, the intensive gardener can use trellises, cages, stakes, tepees, twine, and nearby fences as support for these plants. Additional support may be required as large, heavy fruit matures. Expandable nylon netting placed around the maturing fruit and tied to the trellis can provide the extra support. This prevents fruit from prematurely breaking from a vine.

Trellises do not need to be expensive; they can be made from scrap lumber and other discarded materials. Vertically grown vining crops can be positioned closer together when a trellis is used. Otherwise, sprawling vining crops can take up too much room in the garden.

Place tall and trellised crops on the north side of the garden to avoid shading other crops. Plants tolerant of shade, like lettuce and other greens, can be grown on the north side of these tall crops to take advantage of shade provided during the hottest part of the summer.