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We all forget to do things sometimes, but I’m rather ashamed about this omission. As I walked around the fruit trees in our mini-orchard last week, I was horrified to discover that a few of them had grown too big for the ties I’d used when staking

The practice of supporting young or fragile plants, by loosely attaching them to canes or stakes driven into the ground.

days. And my apple trees, which I'm very fond of since they fruited so abundantly, will need new stakes.My plot is on the side of a small hill and benefits from gentle summer breezes that blow down the valley - lovely for keeping cool in August

if not ingenious and I've seen delphinium flowers supported by bedsprings and clematis growing through old window frames. I'm sure there are other examples out there.It is really, really important to get any necessary staking done early, before plants have grown

Tomatoes will thrive in a greenhouse in midsummer with the right light, warmth, water and feed. But there's no point in ruining your hard work by watching the plant collapse under its own weight, when some simple staking will save the day. Nor do

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 folia...

Learn how to grow runner and haricot beans on a wigwam, in Chris Beardshaw's practical video project.summerMore advice on growing beans and peasPlanting out runner beansHow to deter pea and bean weevilsHow to use plant supportsKeeping capsid bugs away from beansBrowse vegetable ...

Follow Sarah Raven's step-by-step video guide to creating an attractive display of paper-white narcissi for the Christmas table. Sarah gives tips on compost, planting depth and how to support the flowers.autumnChristmasMore Christmas projectsHow to plant hyacinths in a pot.How to...

Tying in climbers, tall perennials and trained shrubs and fruit bushes needs to be done when the stems are soft and pliable. When shoots are growing quickly in spring and summer, they may have to be tied in to their support once a week. Take care not to bruise or damage stems by...

Plant runner beans now and these vegetables will thrive in the warm, moist soil and quickly twine up their supports. At this time of year you can still sow seeds, which will produce a good harvest of succulent pods, or you can buy young plants. Either way, you'll get a delicious ...