Plant ties - How to train your plants.

Training your plants to grow in the shape and direction you want improves the look of your garden, and gives it a personal touch. It’s easy to do and we’ll show you how. You’ll learn how to tie your plants and which are the best ties to use, depending on the type of plant.

Step 1. Choose the right sort of ties

Whether you’re tying plants to a trellis or a pergola post, you need to choose the right ties before you start. Soft ties are ideal for gentler plants. Chain ties are suitable for small trees on a stake, like roses that grow quickly and can be adjusted as the branches grow and expand. Fabric ties are ideal for most plants. In this video we’re using soft ties for our grapevine.

Step 2. Pre-cut the ties

Before you start, cut a number of ties and keep them in your pocket. It will save you climbing up and down the ladder or from having to balance the ties and scissors on your ladder. Also, move the trellis as close as you can to the plant.

Step 3. Tie down the plant

Untangle the branches of the plant before you tie them to the trellis. Starting at the lowest point in the plant, choose the shortest branches and the ones closest to the trellis and use the soft ties to secure them to the trellis. Don’t twist the ties too tight because you want to give the plant room to grow. If you tie it too tight, it will kill the plant.

Step 4. Work your way up the trellis

After you’ve tied the shortest branches to the trellis, work your way up securing the longer branches with the soft ties. Tie the branches at regular intervals so they’re secure. Keep doing this until all of the branches are tied to the trellis. As the plant grows and the branches get longer, tie them to the trellis so that they keep their shape while they grow.

Guide and video originally from http://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/garden/planting-and-growing/how-to-train-your-plants