Stakes

[bananagirl]

So, having just lopped back my mallow, it occured to me that rather than just trash it, the big upright branches might make good stakes for stuff, so I thought I'd strip 'em off and chuck 'em in the shed to dry out a bit.

Good idea/bad idea?

:) :) :) :) :)

[bananagirl]

[Curryandchips]

One of the things that is so appealing (to me) about allotment gardening is the opportunity to take advantage of any available resources. I would say use the branches if they can be used, even if only for one season. It may save you having to buy canes or other supports.

[jennym]

I've used mallow - also eucalyptus and hazel, both of which send up nice long straight stems.

[supersprout]

It always seemed daft to me to be using imported bamboo for climbing beans on an otherwise green-ish plot. This year I'm getting 40 8 ft hazel rods from a managed woodland, and feel better already ;D.