Here in Essex, we get lots of sunshine, but our plot is exposed to
wind, so tomato support needs to be secure. Having struggled with
biodegradable twine for a year or two, I'm considering a slight change
of strategy for this year's crop. I have a nice solid support frame,
and plan to string this with something durable, e.g. fishing line of a
suitable breaking strain (other suggestions welcome). I'd also like
to try out tomato trellis clips if I can find any, as I grow a fair
number of plants, and string ties take a lot of time. I'm aware that
Johnny's Seeds sell these in the U.S. (www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6245-
tomato-trellis-clips-100-count.aspx), but they won't ship to the UK,
and I can't find anyone who sells them here. Can anyone tell me where
I might find them? Thanks!

On Jan 18, 6:09*am, Neil wrote:
Here in Essex, we get lots of sunshine, but our plot is exposed to
wind, so tomato support needs to be secure. *Having struggled with
biodegradable twine for a year or two, I'm considering a slight change
of strategy for this year's crop. *I have a nice solid support frame,
and plan to string this with something durable, e.g. fishing line of a
suitable breaking strain (other suggestions welcome). *I'd also like
to try out tomato trellis clips if I can find any, as I grow a fair
number of plants, and string ties take a lot of time. *I'm aware that
Johnny's Seeds sell these in the U.S. (www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6245-
tomato-trellis-clips-100-count.aspx), but they won't ship to the UK,
and I can't find anyone who sells them here. *Can anyone tell me where
I might find them? *Thanks!

In the States a lot of people grow their tomatoes in cages
http://www.420magazine.com/forums/fr...ato-cages.html
You could make them from Sheep netting cut to size.
David

Neil wrote:
Here in Essex, we get lots of sunshine, but our plot is exposed to
wind, so tomato support needs to be secure. Having struggled with
biodegradable twine for a year or two, I'm considering a slight change
of strategy for this year's crop. I have a nice solid support frame,
and plan to string this with something durable, e.g. fishing line of a
suitable breaking strain (other suggestions welcome). I'd also like
to try out tomato trellis clips if I can find any, as I grow a fair
number of plants, and string ties take a lot of time. I'm aware that
Johnny's Seeds sell these in the U.S. (www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6245-
tomato-trellis-clips-100-count.aspx), but they won't ship to the UK,
and I can't find anyone who sells them here. Can anyone tell me where
I might find them? Thanks!

Not what you're asking for, but - my dad, and many others, swear by tying up
tomatoes using strips of tights. Apparently it does a lot less damage to
the plant (and after all of my blight-spots last year started where they'd
been tied, I'm going to give it a go this year)

On 18/01/2012 06:09, Neil wrote:
Here in Essex, we get lots of sunshine, but our plot is exposed to
wind, so tomato support needs to be secure. Having struggled with
biodegradable twine for a year or two, I'm considering a slight change
of strategy for this year's crop. I have a nice solid support frame,
and plan to string this with something durable, e.g. fishing line of a
suitable breaking strain (other suggestions welcome). I'd also like
to try out tomato trellis clips if I can find any, as I grow a fair
number of plants, and string ties take a lot of time. I'm aware that
Johnny's Seeds sell these in the U.S. (www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6245-
tomato-trellis-clips-100-count.aspx), but they won't ship to the UK,
and I can't find anyone who sells them here. Can anyone tell me where
I might find them? Thanks!

If you don't mind something not designed for that purpose, and what
they look like, you could try PVC pipe clips, such as:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/hinge-clip...k-of-100/19684

Many other designs and colours (but not green!) he
http://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-pl...lips/cat831642

--

Jeff

On Jan 18, 12:13*pm, Dave Hill wrote:
On Jan 18, 6:09*am, Neil wrote:

Here in Essex, we get lots of sunshine, but our plot is exposed to
wind, so tomato support needs to be secure. *Having struggled with
biodegradable twine for a year or two, I'm considering a slight change
of strategy for this year's crop. *I have a nice solid support frame,
and plan to string this with something durable, e.g. fishing line of a
suitable breaking strain (other suggestions welcome). *I'd also like
to try out tomato trellis clips if I can find any, as I grow a fair
number of plants, and string ties take a lot of time. *I'm aware that
Johnny's Seeds sell these in the U.S. (www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6245-
tomato-trellis-clips-100-count.aspx), but they won't ship to the UK,
and I can't find anyone who sells them here. *Can anyone tell me where
I might find them? *Thanks!

In the States a lot of people grow their tomatoes in cageshttp://www.420magazine.com/forums/frequently-asked-questions/119984-t...
You could make them from Sheep netting cut to size.
David

Thanks, David. This is something I may try in future years when my
4x2 frame is spent. For now I'm trying to refine an almost-complete
support system which works quite nicely for growth of up to 6ft.

--Neil.

On Jan 18, 12:39*pm, wrote:
Neil wrote:
Here in Essex, we get lots of sunshine, but our plot is exposed to
wind, so tomato support needs to be secure. *Having struggled with
biodegradable twine for a year or two, I'm considering a slight change
of strategy for this year's crop. *I have a nice solid support frame,
and plan to string this with something durable, e.g. fishing line of a
suitable breaking strain (other suggestions welcome). *I'd also like
to try out tomato trellis clips if I can find any, as I grow a fair
number of plants, and string ties take a lot of time. *I'm aware that
Johnny's Seeds sell these in the U.S. (www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6245-
tomato-trellis-clips-100-count.aspx), but they won't ship to the UK,
and I can't find anyone who sells them here. *Can anyone tell me where
I might find them? *Thanks!

Not what you're asking for, but - my dad, and many others, swear by tying up
tomatoes using strips of tights. *Apparently it does a lot less damage to
the plant (and after all of my blight-spots last year started where they'd
been tied, I'm going to give it a go this year)

I think my mum does this too :-) I generally grow rather more plants
than this would be practical for, so even if I did have a source for
all the second-hand hosiery I would need, it might take me rather
longer than I want to spend tying all those knots! There'll be around
80 stems, so this is why I'm looking for something quick & easy.
Thanks for the tip, Vicky.

--Neil.

On Jan 18, 4:08*pm, Jeff Layman wrote:
On 18/01/2012 06:09, Neil wrote:

Here in Essex, we get lots of sunshine, but our plot is exposed to
wind, so tomato support needs to be secure. *Having struggled with
biodegradable twine for a year or two, I'm considering a slight change
of strategy for this year's crop. *I have a nice solid support frame,
and plan to string this with something durable, e.g. fishing line of a
suitable breaking strain (other suggestions welcome). *I'd also like
to try out tomato trellis clips if I can find any, as I grow a fair
number of plants, and string ties take a lot of time. *I'm aware that
Johnny's Seeds sell these in the U.S. (www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6245-
tomato-trellis-clips-100-count.aspx), but they won't ship to the UK,
and I can't find anyone who sells them here. *Can anyone tell me where
I might find them? *Thanks!

If you don't mind *something not designed for that purpose, and what
they look like, you could try PVC pipe clips, such as:http://www.screwfix..com/p/hinge-cli...k-of-100/19684

Many other designs and colours (but not green!) hehttp://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-pl...lips/cat831642

--

Jeff

Thanks for an interesting idea, Jeff. These look slightly heavier/
chunkier than they need to be, but I don't imagine they would trouble
the tomatoes. I never said the solution had to be beautiful -- or
green! If I don't find the lightweight ones designed for the job,
these might just do the trick instead.

--Neil.

Neil wrote:
I think my mum does this too :-) I generally grow rather more plants
than this would be practical for, so even if I did have a source for
all the second-hand hosiery I would need, it might take me rather
longer than I want to spend tying all those knots! There'll be around
80 stems, so this is why I'm looking for something quick & easy.

Ah, we don't do 'knots' so much as make a loop and put the end through and
pull to hold - not tied, so much as held. Quick and easy.

You're probably doing about twice as many as I will be, but I think this is
going to be my route this year.

Sorry it wasn't any help to you, though.

On 19/01/2012 06:11, Neil wrote:
On Jan 18, 4:08 pm, Jeff wrote:
On 18/01/2012 06:09, Neil wrote:

Here in Essex, we get lots of sunshine, but our plot is exposed to
wind, so tomato support needs to be secure. Having struggled with
biodegradable twine for a year or two, I'm considering a slight change
of strategy for this year's crop. I have a nice solid support frame,
and plan to string this with something durable, e.g. fishing line of a
suitable breaking strain (other suggestions welcome). I'd also like
to try out tomato trellis clips if I can find any, as I grow a fair
number of plants, and string ties take a lot of time. I'm aware that
Johnny's Seeds sell these in the U.S. (www.johnnyseeds.com/p-6245-
tomato-trellis-clips-100-count.aspx), but they won't ship to the UK,
and I can't find anyone who sells them here. Can anyone tell me where
I might find them? Thanks!

If you don't mind something not designed for that purpose, and what
they look like, you could try PVC pipe clips, such as:http://www.screwfix..com/p/hinge-cli...k-of-100/19684

Many other designs and colours (but not green!) hehttp://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-pl...lips/cat831642

--

Jeff

Thanks for an interesting idea, Jeff. These look slightly heavier/
chunkier than they need to be, but I don't imagine they would trouble
the tomatoes. I never said the solution had to be beautiful -- or
green! If I don't find the lightweight ones designed for the job,
these might just do the trick instead.

If you do use them, please let us know how you get on.

--

Jeff

On Jan 19, 9:56*am, Jeff Layman wrote:

If you do use them, please let us know how you get on.

I will, or will follow up with what I used instead.

--Neil.

On Jan 19, 9:11*am, wrote:

Sorry it wasn't any help to you, though.

I didn't mean it wasn't helpful -- I may well try the technique in
future years, provided I can find a reliable source of tights!

On Jan 20, 8:08*am, Neil wrote:
On Jan 19, 9:56*am, Jeff Layman wrote:

If you do use them, please let us know how you get on.

I will, or will follow up with what I used instead.


I've managed to identify an alternative product that's 1. designed for
the job, and 2. available in the UK. If anyone's interested, they're
called "Lever Loops", and can be found online for as cheap as 500 for
£5. I think I'll be trying these out this year.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

--Neil.