Don’t Throw Away Pruned Branches – Turn Them Into Clever, Free Plant Supports
Get ready for spring with these amazingly simple DIY plant supports. You'll only need three things and a bit of time to craft them.
I love a good DIY, whether it's in the craft room, kitchen, or garden. My partner and father are probably getting sick of me excitedly rambling about all the new vegetables and blooms I hope to plant this year, but I fear the enthusiasm is far from stopping.
When I saw this Instagram video showing DIY plant supports made from garden trimmings, my mind instantly began racing, wondering where I could gather the materials from to test out making my own. The idea is absolutely genius, and doesn't look too difficult to attempt replicating.
If you're looking for vegetable trellis ideas or simply feel your existing greenery could benefit from propping up, why not give it a go? I asked a couple of plant pros for their advice on following the DIY, as well as what to be careful of. Here's what they had to say.
Why Are DIY Plant Supports So Effective?
Plant supports are systems designed to help prevent plants from leaning over due to their own weight or height. Crops like peppers and eggplants can be prone to this, as well as tomatoes that aren't attached to a cane or trellis. As they bear fruit or veg, they begin to lean before gradually toppling, which can look unsightly and lead to snapping stems.
According to Staci and Jeremy Hill of Gooseberry Bridge Farm, this DIY method involving wood and twigs from your yard is incredibly effective, as well as inexpensive.
"We always want to encourage gardeners in using what they have over something they have to buy from the store. This hack looks like a great way to use something you can get for free, which is good for both your wallet and the environment. This would be a great type of support for plants like peppers and eggplants – varieties that typically don’t need much support, but can also fall over under the weight of a heavy crop."
The hack is also effective as it requires very few tools to try out – just a drill, a pair of pruning shears, and your gathered sticks.
How to Make a DIY Plant Support
After taking out your pruning shears and drill, you need to gather up the most essential component of this DIY – the twigs. You're looking for two different kinds to make your supports: sturdy, thick twigs and long, flexible ones you can curve to form a spiral without them snapping.
If you're unable to find these in your yard, asking a friendly neighbor or checking out a local woodland or nature reserve should do the trick.
Once gathered, simply drill two holes along the same side of your sturdy twig (or more if you want the loops to ascend higher). Then insert the end of the thinner twig into the drilled hole and loop it around so the other end of the twig goes into the other hole. You'll know you have done it right if you've created a spiral or circle, depending on how many times you want the flexible stick to loop around.
Staci and Jeremy recommend this little hack for if you're struggling to find a flexible enough twig for the job: "If you can’t find a flexible enough stick, soaking your sticks in water for a day or two can soften them enough to allow them to bend into a circle."
How to Use DIY Plant Supports
To use the support, shove the larger stick into the soil next to your plant in its plant pot or the ground, and sit the loop over the greenery. This will give the loop enough space to fully encircle the plant.
If you're struggling to fit your loop around your desired plant, I recommend constructing it around it instead of trying to place it over the plant after you've crafted the support.
If you've already constructed the support, you can take out the end of your thinner twig to partly disassemble your plant support and then it will be easier to place around your plant. Then you can put the end back in and voila!
How Long Will They Last?
It's important to note that while these DIY stick plant supports will likely last several seasons, they won't last forever.
The wood will weaken over time and become prone to rot, so keep an eye on them, and make sure to replace them if they show any signs of weakness or rotting. These include fractures in the twigs and bending or bowing in the wood.
Shop Supplies
One of the best pairs of pruners on the market, loved for their comfortable handle, powerful blade, and clean cuts.
If you're still struggling to find what you need, you can purchase twigs like these online for your DIY plant support.
This handy tool will make perfect holes in your soil to stick your DIY plant supports into. It even features measurements on the side so you know how deep in the soil your stick needs to be to be at its most sturdy.
