Market Farming

[Janet Bachmann <janetb AT ncat.org>]

Last year I used flower support netting brand name Hortnova and it 
worked fine for the tall dahlias, snapdragons, and other flowers that 
tend to fall over and grow crooked.  I am using it again this year.  I 
think I purchased it from Fred C. Gloeckner (1-800-345-3787) or Hummerts 
(1-800-325-3055).  It is sold in rolls the width of a planting bed and 
various lengths and is not expensive.  It is stretched horizontally 
across the length of a bed, ideally before the plants are up.  You can 
use T-posts or rebar or other stakes to stretch and support the net, and 
move it up high enough to support the plants.  I think some people use 
two layers.  You may be able to find a photo on the Association of 
Specialty Cut Flower Growers Web site, www.ascfg.org.  Look for the wrap 
up of the 2003 Southern regional meeting 
http://www.ascfg.org/SWrapUpPics03.asp   I hope this is helpful. 

T A Patterson wrote:

> I'm looking for ideas on staking tall dahlias, the long-stemmed ones that
> run 4-6 ft., perfect for cutflowers.
>
> I've used many of the cheap home center wire "tomato" cages because they
> offer nested storage.  But as you know, the dahlias easily outgrow the
> cages, and I end up needing to add stakes.
>
> Does some kind of tall stake and twine weave work, like with tomatoes?
>
> Thanks for your help.
> /Ted Patterson 
> Wayne, PA
>
>
>  

--
Janet Bachmann
Agriculture Specialist
National Center for Appropriate Technology
P.O. Box 3657
Fayetteville, AR  72702
(479)442-9824
(479)442-9842 fax
janetb AT ncat.org 
www.attra.ncat.org