How to tie in your plants
Find out how to tie-in plants, in our practical How-to guide.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
To do | yes | yes | yes |
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
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
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
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.
Festive subscription offer
Save 38% on the shop price. Subscribe to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine today for £49.99.
November issue on sale now!
The November issue of BBC Gardeners' World magazine is on sale now, buy online or in stores now.
Discover Dangerous Plants
From witchcraft to murder mysteries, uncover the power of plants in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.