How to Make Plant Supports

Overview

Store-bought plant supports are usually durable and practical, but they can also be an unnecessary expense. You can find natural plant supports -- and the materials to make your own supports -- in and around your own house. Devising your own plant supports is easy and fun, allowing you to create the specific design and functionality you desire in your yard or garden. With a few simple ideas, you can make your own plant supports quickly and easily.

Step 1

Collect branches that are approximately 3-5 feet long. Push one end of the branch into the soil next to young plants, such as vines or other climbing plants. Using branches is popular in the United Kingdom, where such branches are called "pea sticks."

Step 2

Tie the stems of tall flowers to bamboo canes. Use a soft string to tie the flower stems at 4- to 6-inch intervals.

Step 3

Create a tripod or teepee from sticks or bamboo canes. Simply push the ends of three sticks into the soil, angling them toward each other so that you form a tripod. You can tie the sticks together with twine. This is ideal for twining climbers like runner beans and sweet peas.

Step 4

Use an existing tree or shrub as a plant support for climbers. This works especially well for Clematis. Tie the climber to the tree with soft strings until it reaches and clings to the tree branches.

Step 5

Make a flat trellis using a length of lattice. Cut the lattice to the desired size and either mount it on a wall or to two posts that are anchored into the ground. Make sure the posts are made of pressure-treated wood, as they'll be in contact with the soil. Paint or stain the lattice to protect it from the outdoor elements.

Step 6

Try using fences and porch railings as plant supports. Using a chain-link fence as a support for climbing roses or sweet peas not only saves you from creating a special plant support for the plants, but it also covers the unattractive fence.