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How to use plant supports

in Home : Projects: Pruning and training

You will need

  • Pea sticks, bamboo canes, tripods or plant supports
  • Soft string or plant ties
Do it: April - June (or as required)
Takes just: 30 minutes

Project categories

Overview

The vigorous growth of many herbaceous perennials and climbers often needs a helping hand to prevent them flopping onto neighbouring plants or over the edges of lawns and paths. Putting plant supports in place early means they even the most obvious ones can be hidden by the foliage in just a few weeks.

How to do it

Pushing pea sticks into the ground

1Twiggy stems that have been pruned from shrubs in winter make ideal 'pea sticks' or general plant supports. Push them into the ground around young plants so that they can grow up between the twigs.

Tying stem to cane with string

2Tall flower stems of delphiniums or dahlias can be tied individually to bamboo canes pushed into the soil alongside the developing shoots. Tie in with soft string at 10cm - 15cm intervals up the stems.

Runner beans on a tripod of canes

3For twining climbers such as cobaea, sweet peas and runner beans, tall tripods made from sticks or bamboo canes provide an ideal framework for their vigorous growth. Where necessary, their shoots can be tied in with soft string.

Adam's tip

For clump-forming border plants such as lupins, rudbeckias and phlox, tie soft string around a circle of canes pushed in around each plant.

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Talkback: How to use plant supports
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kathysquietspot 24/11/2011 at 15:27

I find your how to section very helpfull

SueBall 24/11/2011 at 15:27

Do you have advice on building a cold frame?
Thanks
Sue Ball

montana 24/11/2011 at 15:28

I love your sight, it help's me to find wonderful project's for me and my husband to argue over!

audrey_fallon 24/11/2011 at 15:28

If you can make the photos a bit clearer it would be useful. Step by step drawings would be good for more complicated projects. Thanks

newhey 24/11/2011 at 15:28

it't a one stop sight for tips and good projects.

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