This is how it is used:
I have six of those, but it's not enough. These days I grow at least 12 tomato plants that need supporting (as well as some bush varieties that don't). Unfortunately that model of cane-support seems to have been discontinued. My most recent appeal for help has produced these:
These ones are made by Botanico, and I bought them from Greenfingers.com. They were being sold as a set of 3 at £4.99 (plus postage). I bought two sets. I can't remember who told me about these, but if it was you, then "Thank you"!
Of course they are really designed for use with Growbags, not pots, so my biggest worry was whether the elliptical bases would fit inside any of my pots.
Well, I have tried them, and I find that they do fit inside some of my pots, but only some - the ones with square bases not tapered ones - and then only when placed diagonally.
At least this is a step in the right direction! I may decide to alter the shape of the base pieces (perhaps with a hacksaw?). I haven't tried bending them yet, but it may come to that, if it's possible. First indications are that these cane-supports will be quite good, because unlike most of the others I have tried, they are strong.
On the Down side though, this new model of support only has one ring (right at the top), whereas my favourite ones have two rings, which is better for the stability of the cane.
I shall of course report later in the year on how the new models perform...
Fab, I was looking for something similar to what you use, we are only doing the four toms this year. In grow bags on top of the hozelock things we bought last year. I shall place my order in April.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just hate when a product you love changes or stops getting made? I'm glad you found a decent replacement at least.
ReplyDeleteThey look good Mark- look forward to hear how they perform. We use something that is bound to be discontinued now! Plastic discs with a tube to fit the cane in- kept stable by the pressure of the soil above and around. They can go in the bottom of a pot or large window box. They are designed as a grow bag kit- so they have various gizmos which form a rather stable support for a cane framework if required. I'll be sorry when they finally give up the ghost, but I'll turn to your reviews then!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a picture of those! Is it possible for you to send me a link to the place you got them - or a photo you have taken? They sound rather like one of the devices I used last year, though the ones I had had a rectangular base (a rather small one).
DeleteI'll try to remember to take a pic, and link to it Mark!
DeleteThese look promising. Do they fit inside your self watering containers? Now that I've bought some containers myself, I'm looking for something similar to hold the canes. As you say, many things I've seen are just too flimsy.
ReplyDeleteJo, yes they do fit inside the big Stewart self-watering pots, but I have 6 of those which are already catered for with the six cane-supports of my favourite (old-fashioned?!) type. As Sue suggests, I may now have to acquire some more square pots to accomodate the new cane-supports I have just bought! Tail wags dog, I think...
DeleteThanks, Mark. I shall wait and see what you think of them. If they're as sturdy as your other ones, I'll buy some myself.
DeleteI've just found this one with two rings. It doesn't show what the bottom of the support is like though.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gardensupplydirect.co.uk/plant_support__trellis/grow_bag_cane_support__3_pack/14370_p.html
Jo, thanks, but those are like the ones I tried last year. The shape is good, but they are very small and flimsy. One of my set of 3 was poorly constructed too.
DeleteOh, I thought they looked quite sturdy. It just shows you never can tell until you try them.
DeleteCan you use something to make a lower loop? You could always buy more square pots :)
ReplyDeleteI have had my tomato supports for a few years now - but they are the ones that fit under a growbag and you squeeze the two loops round the cane - they work really well but I don't think they would be suitable for your needs.
ReplyDeleteI have a set of those too, Elaine. I've tried everything! I did experiment with clipping the supports around the outside of a pot, but it didn't work well enough.
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