Plant ties

Sometimes, plants need a bit of help and guidance to keep them in place. JUDY HORTON looks at what you can use, and how to do it

When deciding whether to tie a plant to give it some support, there’s one basic rule: only tie when absolutely necessary, for the shortest time possible.

The aim is always to encourage a plant to become strong and independent, and overcompensating by supporting it when it’s not necessary can lead to a weak and floppy trunk. You also need to select a soft tie that won’t cut into the plant, and make sure you leave a bit of wriggle room. This is especially important with young trees.

Place at least 2–3 stakes around the plant and use fairly loose, figure-of-eight ties. These provide some support while allowing sufficient trunk movement to ensure that the lignin, the plant’s natural stiffening agent, is able to develop.

So which tie to use? Here are some that have worked well in my garden.

Old pantyhose are strong and flexible. I cut off the foot of the stocking and slip the leg over something cylindrical, such as an empty jar. Then I use sharp scissors to cut a long spiral strip of stocking that can be snipped into desired lengths.

T-shirts can be cut into narrow strips, and the stretchy knitted fabric doesn’t cut into the stem. It’s probably best to choose a neutral-coloured shirt, as lairy prints stand out in the shrubbery!

Budding tape is the traditional tie used by nurseries. This soft, translucent plastic tape can be easily torn off to the required length. When wrapped around and over itself it forms a surprisingly strong bond that stretches as the plant expands.

Hook and loop tape which is often referred to as velcro can be used in many ways, including as garden ties. It comes in varied widths and it’s a versatile and re-usable material.

Plastic clips that are tensioned with a wire ring can be instantly snapped into place and removed just as quickly. They are great for clipping plants, such as climbing peas, to mesh.

Re-usable cable ties in a mid-green colour are found on shelves in garden centres. They make a handy tie and are also good for attaching netting to posts.

Natural products such as jute, raffia, sisal and twisted paper are environmentally friendly options compared to plastic and other non-biodegradable ties, especially for short-lived plants such as peas. After cropping, the plant and ties can be tossed in the compost, where they’ll break down.

Finally, you need to monitor any ties you are using and remove them as soon as possible. Like adult children who are reluctant to leave home, the plant has to eventually learn to support itself!

OPPOSITE Re-usable tie options such as plastic coated wire are handy for managing long, arching canes of brambleberries.

FROM TOP T-shirt fabric makes good plant ties because it’s stretchy and doesn’t cut into the stem; plastic figure-of-eight ties hold plants securely; soft budding tape comes in a roll; velcro can easily be adjusted as needed; plastic clips are handy for training vines to wires and are re-usable; string tied in a loose figure-of-eight allows movement; pantyhose work well when tied loosely; strings made from natural materials are great for short-lived plants.