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