How to tie in your plants

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Sunday, 24 March 2019 at 3:00 pm

Find out how to tie-in plants, in our practical How-to guide.

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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 tying too tightly.

You Will Need

Garden twine
Scissors

Total time: 15 minutes

Step 1

Tying in a rose

For trained fruit and wall shrubs, 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.

Step 2

Tying in sweet peas

When using string or garden twine, wind it once or twice tightly around the support and knot in place. Then wrap it more loosely around the stem and knot it twice to secure in place.

Step 3

Tying in clematis

Climbing plants often need coaxing to grow up their supports or in the required direction. Loosely tie them in place with soft string so as not to bruise their very delicate stems.

Recycle old cotton t-shirts by cutting them into narrow strips to use as plant ties.

Watering can

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