The Chayote: Its Culture and Uses. 5 
or a thick, loose mulch should be maintained about them, through 
which they may be watered without its removal. 
Supports. JLlie chayote is a rampant grower and requires some 
sort of support, A fence, a tree (if not making too dense a shade), 
or an outbuilding may provide a fairly satisfactory support. If it 
is intended to grow chayotes commercially, however, large T trellises 
(Fig. 2), furnishing plenty of space for the vines, should be pro¬ 
vided. A 4-inch-mesh heavy fencing wire run over the Ts makes 
an ideal support for the vines. 
Manures and fertilizers .—Since chayotes are vigorous growers and 
gross feeders, they should be provided at all times with an abundance 
Fig. 2.—A satisfactory type of T trellis for supporting chayotes in large plantings. 
Instead of single strands of wire, as shown here, wire fencing, 4-inch mesh, stretched 
over the Ts is more satisfactory as a support for the vines. (P24000FS.) 
of the materials necessary for plant growth. Well-rotted stable 
manure, if available, gives very satisfactory results. In poor soils 
it may be necessary to supplement the stable manure by using a 
standard commercial fertilizer with a relatively high potash content. 
Vine growth may be stimulated by the use of sodium nitrate. Care 
should be exercised, however, to avoid an oversupply of nitrate, 
as it may kill the plants. About 5 ounces may be given a mature 
plant without injuring it, but care should be taken to prevent the 
nitrate from coming in direct contact with the foliage of the plants. 
Sodium nitrate may be applied either dry or in solution. If in solu¬ 
tion the proportion of nitrate should be about an ounce to 5 gallons 
of water. 
Since the chayote is a long-season plant, fertilizers should be sup¬ 
plied at intervals, as the plants seem to require nourishment. 
