KEEP SWEET PEAS CLIMBING UPWARDS

I don’t get annoyed when I snag my pantyhose because laddered tights make the best plant ties. Narrow slices across the legs make fine, flexible strips for sweet peas. Wider strips are sturdier – just right for tomatoes. Waistbands are strong enough for straightening trees. Even the ‘‘seats’’ have a use as hammocks for melons and pumpkins growing up a trellis. Back in April, NZ Gardener gave away 3000 packets of seeds for the Great Sweet Pea Challenge. Of course, I had to have a go too. If your sweet pea plants are anything like mine, they’ll be flopping everywhere by now. Tie in individual climbing stems to the trellis or other framework to encourage upward growth. Flowers will have longer, straighter stems and be easier to