So what do you use to keep your plants supported and under control? Do you favour ‘old school ties’ (!) or prefer the wide range of modern products now on offer? Here’s a gallery of different types of tie with a few comments based on my experiences- I’d love to hear your views!
Chain lock – can cut the length you require and can be adjusted. Plastic- degrade after a season? Packs of pre cut lengths also available.
Tree belts- sturdy, diferent lengths/ thicknesses, for for use with posts/stakes.
Plastic/wire twist on reel- can cut to length required and easy to use , but once fixed doesn’t have much give, so not good where stems growth expected as it will effectively cut the stem unless loosened in time.
Jute tree ties- softer than plastic/rubber belts, so good where stems are tender/thin. Biodegradeable.
Old nylons/ tights used to secure tomatoes- good ‘stretchability’ and also soft, so won’t damage stems. The recycler’s option!
Raffia- natural product useful for slender stems and a ‘natural’ look- found it a bit fiddly to use myself.
Plastic rings (wire versions also) for linking plant stems to a cane- good room for stem growth & movement, but can chafe the stems? Plastic- will eventually degrade/snap?
Suede plant ties- stronger and more durable than jute/cotton, and as soft. Only one length though?
Plastic stem supports- fix stems to trellises, fences etc..No experience of these..
Good old fashioned jute twine- different thicknesses and easy to cut and tie stems in- but will only last a season- biodegradeable.
Individual stems held to wall/fence with nail- I’ve found these difficult to fix into my walls and also degrade/crack after cold weather.
Velcro – easy to cut off the length you need and you can expand the space as the plant stem grows. How well do they last? Some come with a reel cutter that can be fixed to your waist belt, and also come in packs of pre cut lengths.
Biodegradeable cotton- needs a knot, and will rot fairly quickly? At least no plastics into landfill..
Cable ties- strong plastic, of varying lengths/thicknesses – good for tying canes or other structures together- not good for securing plant stems -can’t be adjusted
Soft tie- rubber/plastic covered wire which can be cut and bent to shape. Soft covering good for cushioning stem, but probably best used on harder stems where a more permanent fix is required- eg roses against trellis.
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OK, it’s the beginning of a new gardening year and minds turn to tools and equipment to make life easier or more efficient.I’m currently awaiting a Wolf two-way hoe (a birthday present) to clip into the handle I got for Christmas. I came across this wonderful tool whilst on my Heritage Gardening traineeship last year. Basically, if you don’t know, it’s twice as efficient as the normal dutch hoe, as you till the ground on the pull as well as the push stroke. I can’t wait, but it’ll be a little while yet before the ground is thawed enough for me to get it moving.
What about boots or other footwear in the garden? I find I have about 6 pairs of old shoes and boots, only one of which was purposefully bought for the garden (and not by me). This one- a padded leather boot with steel toe cap – is brilliant. But at different times of the year I find weather and ground conditions make one of my other pairs better.
My own personal favourite- safe with a toe cap,but cushioned ankle support too!
Michelle Obama’s gardening boots
Nigel Boldero aka 'Old School Gardener'
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