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supporting container veg

bookmonsterbookmonster Posts: 399
in Fruit & veg
M

I have a leaning tower of beans this year, and the wigwam shape for the tomatoes really didn't work, as you can see a branch has snapped off. Any tips for supportin container veg?

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  • B3B3 Posts: 24,440
    I supported some of my tomatoes with bent bamboo canes. They were supposed to form an obelisk but i separated them.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,203
    Straight sided containers are better because the canes are more vertical, but you also need to tie the canes using string, to keep them as a more solid support. I do it for sweet peas as well as anything else that grows to a fair height.


    If you use a pot in the shape you have,  put the canes in right to the bottom, and firm them in well. They'll splay out at the top, and you can then use string to pull them in a bit at the top. It'll be more self supporting that way. That pic shows the method in a sloping pot. 
    That's those mange tout in the two matching pots  :)
    You can also buy those plastic ring things that fit over the cane tops to keep them together, but with a bit of space between them, as opposed to all in a point at the top. I made a similar thing out of metal pipe, cut with the jigsaw into short lengths, and wired on to the canes. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • B3B3 Posts: 24,440
    The bent canes mean that there is tension at the base which holds it to the sides. I tie horizontal bits of twine across from each side of the cane and around the plant as it grows up the middle. Good for tomatoes. Wouldn't work for beans.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • bookmonsterbookmonster Posts: 399
    Makes sense, thanks!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,203
    Keep tying in the tomatoes too as they grow. They get quite solid in the stem, so if you're growing outside, and if it's windy, it's easy for them to get broken and/or dmaaged.
    Remember if you want a few mange tout to try @bookmonster, just let me know.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • HelixHelix Posts: 631
    And the soil looks loose around the stakes in the tomato pot.  Put the stakes in when you plant the tomatoes, and firm them in well and keep checking that wind rock hasn’t loosened them. 

    Mind you, I’m a fine one to talk...I made a right pig’s ear of mine


  • bookmonsterbookmonster Posts: 399
    What variety is that @Helix out of interest? It's a self watering planter so the soil on top can be a bit crumbly.
  • HelixHelix Posts: 631
    Perhaps add a bit more soil to hold it down?

    That variety is called cookie...a cherry tomato that’s done very well. Had well over 1kg so far, about 100 tomatoes.  And I think they are beautiful

  • bookmonsterbookmonster Posts: 399
    Wow!
  • stevek_bathstevek_bath Posts: 51
    bookmonster said:
    M

    I have a leaning tower of beans this year, and the wigwam shape for the tomatoes really didn't work, as you can see a branch has snapped off. Any tips for supportin container veg?

    We had similar problems with runner beans in a container this year. 
    We've just spotted on a discount/deals site today some cheap wooden planters with trellis which we've ordered a few of for next year.

    If anyone else interested they're £12 and search product code 190818 on Wickes website. They have been reduced from nearer £60 each. They're not massively tall but I'm thinking the trellis will be a help and can always use canes/larger trellis as things grow. 
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