As both an avid gardener and writer for my gardening blog, I often get asked what is the best material to use when tying plants. Properly securing plants with ties is an essential gardening skill that helps provide support for plants to grow upright and climb properly. However, not all plant ties are created equal. The wrong materials can potentially damage or strangle plants.
In this detailed guide, I’ll talk about when and why to use plant ties, how to safely tie plants, and the pros and cons of different types of ties. Whether you’ve been gardening for a long time or this is your first time, this guide will help you pick the right plant tie materials to keep your plants happy and healthy.
When to Use Plant Ties
There are several instances where properly tying plants is beneficial:
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Supporting tall, top-heavy plants prone to drooping like tomatoes, peppers, and vines. Ties keep these plants growing upright.
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Training climbing vines and plants to grow upwards on trellises, fences, poles, and other structures Ties guide directional growth.
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To protect plants from wind and storm damage, tie them to stakes or posts. Ties anchor plants firmly.
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Holding up heavy flower heads that can flop over such as dahlias, peonies, and roses. Ties provide stability.
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Straightening potted plants that are growing at an awkward angle and need alignment help.
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Manipulating plant growth direction for aesthetic purposes, like training branches along a wall.
Tips for Tying Plants Safely
When tying plants, follow these tips to avoid causing harm:
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Use stretches of soft, flexible material that won’t cut into stems as they expand.
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Tie knots gently – they should be snug but not tightly constricting the plant.
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Avoid narrow materials like wire or twist ties that can dig into plant tissues.
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Check ties regularly and loosen or remove promptly if they are too tight.
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Remove ties once plants can support themselves to prevent girdling.
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Cut ties with sharp scissors to avoid damaging plants during removal.
Natural Fiber Tie Materials
Natural fibers like hemp, cotton, jute, and raffia are great for making ties. They have these advantages:
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Softer and more flexible than synthetic fibers.
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Weather-resistant without degrading in the sun.
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Biodegradable so they won’t litter the garden if left on.
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Less likely to cut into plant tissues.
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Blend into the garden aesthetically.
Cotton twine is a top choice with its soft fibers and durability. Look for organic, undyed twine.
Jute twine resists stretching and lasts a long time outdoors. It has a natural tan color.
Since raffia is soft and breakable, it’s best for herbs and seedlings that are easily damaged. It comes from palm leaves.
Hemp twine has fibers similar to jute that won’t dig into plants.
Synthetic Fiber Tie Materials
Synthetic plant tie materials like nylon, polypropylene, and polyester are also common options. Their main advantages are:
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Very strong and durable.
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Resist weathering and stretch well.
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Come in a variety of colors.
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Easily reusable over multiple seasons.
However, key drawbacks are:
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Not biodegradable, creating garden waste.
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Can cut into plants more easily.
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Often leave behind plastic litter if they detach.
If you do opt for synthetic ties, use care to protect plants and remove them promptly after use.
Other Plant Tie Options
Beyond natural or synthetic string, a few other unique plant tie options include:
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Bamboo – Strips of bamboo can substitute for wooden stakes. Fresh strips are pliable then dry stiff.
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Coconut coir – Made from coconut husks, this twine looks like jute but resists stretching.
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Fabric strips – Old t-shirts or other soft fabrics torn into strips make ties. Avoid synthetics which can cut plants.
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Velcro wraps – These have woven “hooks and loops” that adhere together without knots. Useful for frequent retying.
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Metal wire – Fine floral wire comes in green color and can make permanent ties for trees, but use care.
Avoid These Harmful Ties
Steer clear of the following materials that have the potential to seriously damage plants:
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Plastic-coated wire or twist ties
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Baling twine or rough jute
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Narrow metal wire or pipe cleaners
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Fishing line or plastic-based strings
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Anything that can cut into and constrict plant tissues
These ties may girdle and choke plants as they expand, often permanently damaging them. Choose soft, flexible plant tie materials instead.
Key Takeaways on Plant Tie Materials
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Look for soft, stretchy natural fiber ties like cotton twine for most tying needs.
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Synthetic ties work but must be managed carefully to avoid harming plants.
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Always use sharp scissors or pruners to cut ties – never tear off.
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Avoid narrow, stiff materials that can slice into and cut off circulation to stems.
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Check ties often for excessive constriction and loosen or remove promptly.
By selecting the right tying material and using proper tying technique, you can safely secure your plants for optimal growth and health. The right ties provide support while allowing plants the flexibility they need to thrive.
Follow these steps to stake and tie your plant with ease.
Step 1: Place stake in the ground
Push your stake into the ground. Position it around 2-3 inches away from the stem of the plant you wish to support. Make sure you dont push the stake into the root of the plant.
So your stake is secure, push it quite far into the soil so it is stable. If the stake is sturdy enough, you may find it helpful to use a mallet, especially if the soil is hard.
Depending on weather conditions, you may need multiple stakes per plant. Some plants, like French beans, may also benefit from a wigwam of stakes.
Placing a cane topper on top of your stake can be a good way to avoid accidentally injuring yourself. They can be particularly useful if you have any sight loss.
You can buy cane toppers, or you could use a small plastic plant pot or a tennis ball sliced open.
Step 2: Tie your plant using string
Take a length of string and carefully secure the plant to the stake.
Theres a balancing act in how firmly to tie the string. If its too tight, it may damage the plant, but if its too loose it wont give enough support. A figure of 8 loop can work well. This makes a small loop around the stake, then the strings cross over and make another small loop around the plant. This way of tying string allows the plant to move freely and safely without scratching the stem.
If you have any challenges with dexterity, you may find plastic ties easier to use than string. Because plastic is tougher than string, check on your ties as the plant grows to make sure they dont become too tight.
As your plant grows, you may need to continue adding more string ties. Leave a roughly 6-8 inch gap between each string on the stake.
Check your ties regularly to make sure they are not cutting into the plant. Loosen if needed. This provides a nice opportunity to get close with your plants and enjoy seeing how they are growing.
Other than this, take care of your plants as normal, providing them the sunlight and water they need.
A single stake is just one way of supporting plants. Depending on what plants you are growing, you may decide it is better to try one of these instead:
- Tower structure (e.g. wooden wigwam or metal tower)
- Metal hoop or ring (may work for plants that don’t climb and don’t get very tall)
- Tomato support cages
- Pea or bean frame
- If your plants are going up a fence or wall, you might need a trellis or rows of wires.
Plant Tie 101 | GARDEN | Great Home Ideas
FAQ
What type of string do you use to tie plants up?
Garden twine is widely used for tying and supporting plants. Some plants, like beans or tomatoes, need support to grow upright and maximize growth.
What can be used as plant stakes?
Manufacturers make garden stakes from various materials, including bamboo, plastic, wood, steel and other metals. To stake using single plant stakes, hammer each about 6 inches into the ground. Tie the plant to the stake about two-thirds up the stem.
What is the best twine for plants?
Nylon Twine Nylon twine is strong and weather-resistant, making it perfect for heavy-duty gardening tasks. It can withstand harsh weather conditions without degrading, making it ideal for long-term plant support. Nylon twine is available in various thicknesses, catering to different gardening needs.