Cucumbers are classified as either vining types or bush types. Vining types should be chosen for vertical gardening, as they will grow straight up a vertical support.

One good support is a trellis; make a trellis with 2"x4" wood slats and garden twine looped up and down and across. Planting cucumbers next to a tomato cage is another option. To get the vine started growing up the cage, use garden twine to loosely tie the vine to the cage. Once the cucumber grows a bit, it will send out small tendrils that will allow the vine to climb up the wires by itself.

Cucumbers will also grow vertically on a ladder trellis. Create a ladder trellis by making two wood grids, then leaning them together in the garden and lashing or screwing them together at the top for extra stability. Another option is to purchase a ladder trellis.