The Wicket Trellis system is used for tomatoes and cucumbers and was developed at Neversink Farm for small scale growers as part of the Hook and Wicket trellising concept.
Trellis Wicket to suit 75cm bed width | Pack of 11
Wickets can be combined with any lower and lean Hook trellis system (Qlipr Hook, Tomahook etc) to avoid the problematic “leaning” portion of the lower and lean method. Rather the tomato or cucumber vines are laid or layered on top of wickets. The vine never leans but is lowered and moved. This reduces unnecessary time and effort as well as stress on the plant, while keeping fruits and vines off the ground.
Wickets are zinc plated heavy duty 6mm steel. Each wicket is made of three pieces. A pack of 11 weighs over 6kg.
Wickets should be placed at minimum every 50cm within the row
For 75cm beds you would use a 61cm Wicket
For 90cm beds you would use an 85cm Wicket
Wickets come in packs of 11.
Hook and Wicket
This system was developed at Neversink Farm by adapting proven large scale systems for the small scale grower.
You can combine Wickets with any vine lowering system (Qlipr Hooks, Tomahooks etc) to convert a lower and lean system to Hook and Wicket.
Leaning causes stress to the plant and your trellis support. Also the fruit just ends up on the ground anyway.
When you incorporate wickets, leaning is unnecessary and trellising is much easier and faster. Your tomatoes are off the ground and easy to harvest.
Conor Crickmore recommends the Qlipr hook system for use with Wickets.
High Production for the entire season from one cucumber planting using QLIPR Hook and Wicket
Selecting your Hook (diagram in inches, not cm)
Hook length is based on the distance from the ground to your trellising support wire or pipe. Use the chart to find the ideal hook for your situation. Same hook length for Tomato or Cucumber.
The goal is to create a comfortable working height. The chart will set the bottom of the hook at 45 to 53″ off the ground when using 1/2″ emt pipe. Add 2″ if using wire.