plant supports

[weekendwellies]

I just found this site:

Podington Online Garden Centre: Plant Supports

I haven't a clue about plant supports.

Can you tell me if these are good value, or is there a place to buy similar items cheaper.

Has anyone used this site?
Is the quality any good?
Any problems with delivery?

[Two_Sheds]

Which one are you looking at, and what are they for?

[weekendwellies]

Any of them really.
In general, for next seasons growing, I will be after bean supports and ring in particular.
Also I liked the look of the drain concealer one for protecting lettuces, carrots etc.
Hopefully it would be tall enough when placed flat on its side with some poly stuff over the top.
The growbag ones, also, but for straight into the ground
Soft ties.
As I say, any/all of them

[Two_Sheds]

Sorry WW, I had a quick look but couldn't immediately see what you're on about.
Apart from soft ties (£5) ... an old pair of tights is just as good, and free

Bean supports? Four bamboos, tied together at the top = 80p

[weekendwellies]

Right. Good one. Showing my ignorance/inexperience now I know, sorry.
Tights - you cut them up, right?

[FionaH]

yeah cut them up WW or they will blow in the wind Most supports can be done with some canes and hairy string, or so I have found anyway.

[weekendwellies]

Right.
Do you tie them first, and then put them up, or put them up and then tie them?
I mean, smaller ones may be ok done the second way, but I may need some longer ones, and that would mean standing on something to tie them unless I have already done it before putting them up.
What do you normally do?

[Seahorse]

Not sure how much it matters really but I'm pretty short and I usually stick my canes in the ground first, then stand on something to tie them at the top.

If you're looking at things like arches, obelisks etc, both Lidl and Wilko have them WAY cheaper than the site you linked to. Lidl's are only occasional special offers but I'm pretty sure I only paid around a fiver for their arches and obelisks last year. Wilko a little more but they do have them in stock throughout the growing season. Both are of perfectly acceptable quality.

[FionaH]

I am a shorty, I usually put them in the ground first, THEN remember I am 5 ft nowt and wander off to look for someone tall to tie them up for me
Think I might take a wander down to Wilkies next year for some cheap obelisks

[Comfreyfan]

I have to remember not to use 'hairy string' or garden twine at all - the birds come and peck at the knots, unravel the twine and take it away for their nests!

[Two_Sheds]

actually you don't need to tie your wigwams at the top: about 5 foot off the ground is fine, or as high as you can reach.
The wigwam may be an X-shape - it doesn't matter.

[weekendwellies]

ok. thanks for the tips guys.

Dont untied stakes have a stability problem?

Wilkos I will visit soon so I will have a look at what they have

I dont know of a Lidl nearby but there is a Netto. Do you think they would do the same type of stuff?

[Littlemouse]

We bought some wooden cones from a local national trust shop (shape similar to a boob implant!) with holes drilled through for canes to be put through. Looking forward to trying them and hoping to provide less amusement for neighbours next year.