Stake, trellis, frame, espalier? What's the best support for your plants? | Gardening Australia

Many climbing plants use tendrils, leaves and stems to climb but need some form of support to clamber or twine around.

Tino looks ways to support different plants:

Woody Vines, such as grapes – these have woody stems and will grow for many years so need a robust support that will last for many years, such as a timber pergola or metal frame. These don’t need much training and will form a strong framework. Kiwifruit are also woody vines but won’t grow as tall as grapes. At the Patch, a 12m-long wire trellis is only 1.5m high but happily accommodates four plants. However heavier plants such as wisteria need something more solid.

Non-Woody Climbers, such as hops. These are herbaceous perennials sending up shoots in spring and dying back in late autumn. They climb using tendrils and will climb a narrow rope trellis or steel bar better than a wide timber post.

Espaliered plants – this includes many fruit trees that are trained into a two-dimensional screen. Some are vertical against a wall but at the patch there is a metal arch supporting an apple tree that is slightly more elaborate. Training may takes years and the plants are long lived, so something permanent is essential.

Annual climbers – including sweet peas, edible peas and beans. Because these only last for a season or two you can get away with a lighter, cheaper, more organic solution. Tino cuts some bamboo from a clump to make a tepee, but long prunings will work well too. Cut stems to equal length, at least 2m long, and stick them in the ground in a rough circle, then tie the tops together with a piece of string. Now you’re ready to plant!

Filmed on Palawa Country in Hobart, Tas.

Featured Plants:

Grape (Vitis cv.)

Kiwi Fruit (Actinidia cv.)

Hops (Humulus lupulus cv.)

Pear (Pyrus cv.)

Apple (Malus cv.)

Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

Check before planting: hops and other plants may be environmental weeds in your area

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