Leafy red Malabar spinach vines on trellis with tall raised bed in background at homestead backyard garden near Dallas, Texas. Basella alba climbing on powder-coated steel wire tomato cages
Home - Garden
An Old Curtain Rod Can Serve
A Useful Purpose In Your Garden
By WILL FORD
Curtain rods offer support and structure to the plants. Often rust-resistant, they withstand rain and adverse weather conditions to reduce the risk of damage and ensure longevity.
Plants with these supports can be spaced out and kept well-ventilated, allowing sunlight to reach all parts of the plant for better photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.
In your garden or balcony, you can use an old curtain rod to make a crossbeam for a string trellis that supports tall plants like tomatoes or peppers.
Place the two vertical beams, either wood or galvanized electrical metallic tubing, in the ground, spaced apart at a distance that accommodates the desired width of your plants.
The beams should be tall enough to support the full height of the desired plants when they reach maturity, so about 6 to 8 feet tall should suffice.
Attach the curtain rod horizontally between the two vertical beams at the desired height by using strong twine or rope to create a square lashing.
Finally, tie one end of a strong gardening twine or string to the curtain rod. Guide the string downwards toward the ground and pin it to the soil with a garden staple.
Gently wrap the string around the plant's main stem twice at ascending intervals. As the plants grow, continue to secure the stems to the string, maintaining a slight tension.