Print Page - Build-a-balls

Title: Build-a-balls
Post by: Inky on May 18, 2009, 16:44:25

I need to make some fruit cages and some insect cpovers fpr my veg. Dont want to spend a fortune, but the raspberry supports I have made, keep gping wonky as they are just bound with string and keep moving around. I would like to use these buildaballs to properly support the corners, but how well do they work with just gatden canes? I dont want to use the expensive metal tubing, but wont bother if the canes will just keep falling out.

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: betula on May 18, 2009, 16:52:20

I have four of them.I used them last year and they were fine.I will buy some more next time I see some for sale. :)

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: grannyjanny on May 18, 2009, 16:56:22

Several people on our site have them & don't seem to have any problems. Someone said you need to line the holes up & put a cane through the middle if you see what I mean. Lakeland do them.
Janet

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: 70fingers on May 18, 2009, 17:01:34

Cheap tennis balls and drill some holes in them??? Just a thought....never tried them before but may try it at the weekend and post back.

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: plot51A on May 18, 2009, 19:21:58

Never had much luck with them myself, the structures tend to become unsteady and have had them fall aoart. Of course it could just be the way I build things. but would not recommend them. Following on from the tennis ball suggestion have seen those balls that they use in childrens play areas suggested - and they can be very cheap indeed.

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: PJW_Letchworth on May 18, 2009, 19:26:22

If you find the canes are a bit small and are lose, wrap insulating tape around the ends before putting them into the balls. I have to do this as the canes I bought are only cheap. I would suggest you try to find the straightest canes possible and may be put in extra supports.

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: lewic on May 18, 2009, 19:32:11

Was also thinking of getting them and cant afford metal poles. Read a suggestion somewhere to go round the edge of the hole with a glue gun before you put the cane in. No clue whether this would work however........

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: tonybloke on May 18, 2009, 20:37:27

join canes with short lengths of garden hose, cheap and effective! ;)

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: 70fingers on May 18, 2009, 20:48:02

I couldnt resist - I popped to Poundland spent £2 on 8 kids foam balls and built a simple frame

see some pictures in my gallery -http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=gallery;sa=myimages;u=1752
(http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php?action=gallery;sa=myimages;u=1752)

The pictures are not so clear as it was raining hence the half built frame, but they seem to work quite well, although time will tell.

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: Tee Gee on May 18, 2009, 20:49:09

Quotejoin canes with short lengths of garden hose, cheap and effective!

Agreed Tony but how do you make a 'three way corner? ??? ::)

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: Tee Gee on May 18, 2009, 20:50:58

QuoteAgreed Tony but how do you make a 'three way corner? ::)

Forget that Tony I have figured it out myself.....drill a hole in the pipe to take the vertical

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: saddad on May 19, 2009, 07:53:33

OH nearly bought some at Malvern... still considering it. The Ball-Pit balls become brittle after a season... :-\

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: Deb P on May 19, 2009, 09:40:53

I used cobbled together bits of mini greenhouses, which come with 3 way joint bits...but even these are getting brittle now so I will have to have a rethink... :-\

Title: Re: Build-a-balls
Post by: misfit on May 19, 2009, 10:10:12

could you not use 3 lengths of hosepipe, secure them at one end with a cable tie or insulating tape, just a thought !!!

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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Inky on May 18, 2009, 16:44:25