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Plants clips-what they are for? (pic).

young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543
in Tools and techniques
I was in the 'One below' shop yesterday, it is similar to a pound shop for those unfamiliar. Browsing some garden related items, I saw what was described as plant clips.

There were 20 assorted sizes in the pack. The packet was sort mesh type so I could not get a good look at them, even with my jam jar thick reading glasses.

Anyway, there was no picture on the packet, and I was left clueless as to their purpose (that's the purpose of the clips not my glasses).

 A staff member thought they were for clipping plants to support sticks. I can't say I was convinced.

 I feel sure someone on here will know




Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited May 2021
    The assistant was right. You can clip plant stems to canes or wire supports with them
    I’ve tried them 
    I find it less fiddly and certainly more eco friendly to use twine. 
    I think they can also be used for clipping netting around hoops. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543
    That was a rapid response Dove, you should have been on that Golden shot with Bob Monkhouse.

    So these clips, when I was told this in the shop, I imagined that the clips would simply slip down the stem & cane. If they fit too tight I guess they can damage the stems. 

    Are they in popular use by gardeners? I like to use that green garden twine at various positions along the stem. Tied to just the right amount of tention.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited May 2021
    They work a bit like those metal bulldog clips you use in an office for filing papers together. 
    I don’t know if they’re popular. @WonkyWomble kindly gave me some to try (assorted sizes) but to be honest finding where I’ve put them and then finding the right size is a bit of a faff compared with finding the twine and my gardening knife. Sorry Wonky 😉 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    The small bit near the opening end goes on the cane leaving a larger "loop" around the plant stem, so they grip the cane tightly but are loose around the plant stem.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Fran IOMFran IOM Posts: 2,872
    I bought the exact same things from the Pound shop. I find them extremely useful and by the end of the summer season I am amazed at how many I have used. They don't damage the plant in any way but for plants like clematis I would rather use the twine. I found them useful with a support for gladioli to prevent them being damaged by any strong wind. I do find though that they can easily fall apart if you're not careful but for 
    £1 you can't really grumble. Keep them in a used glass coffee jar.  :)
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