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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.

into the ground and standing only about 30-45cm (12-18in) tall. This gives the tree a chance to build up its own strength as it flexes in the wind but keeps those roots safe and secure. Perhaps the trees won't then grow as ramrod-straight as they would with a

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

in with soft string at 10cm - 15cm intervals up the stems.For 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

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...

, tie in the new growth when it has reached 10cm - 15cm in length. This will hold the shoot in place until the wood develops to stiffen it.When using string or garden twine, wind it once or twice tightly around the support and knot in place. Then wrap

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 ...