Knots for Tying Back Plants

Square Knot

• This basic knot will hold your plant to a stake or trellis without falling apart or unraveling. Make a square knot by following the simple instruction of right over left, left over right. Loop the tie material once around the support where you want to tie your plant. Then, bring the branch you want to tie between the stake and the ends of your tie. Pass the right end of your tie over the left end, making a single knot. Then, pass the left end of your tie over the right end, making a secure square knot. To avoid bruising or breaking tender plant stalks, do not tie your square knot tightly to the plant.

Anchor Hitch

• This knot is sometimes called the fisherman’s hitch or bend. It forms a secure knot you might use to secure a sturdy tree branch to a stake. To begin, pass one end of your tie material twice around the stake, keeping the material in the second turn loose. Then, loop the end over the other side of the tie that will be hanging down. Pass the end of the tie you have looped through the looped tie material. Complete this knot by looping the same end of your tie over the loose end, and tug gently to secure the branch to the stake.

Slip Knot

• The slip knot is used in knitting and is similar to a noose knot. It works well as a temporary knot or stopper knot. Loop your tie material around the trellis, stake or other support object behind the branch you want to tie. Then, make a loop at one end of your tie. Bend the tie behind the loop, and pass it through the loop. Tighten it slightly to secure your plant, but avoid pulling it too tightly to prevent damaging the plant. When you want to remove this knot, simply pull the loose end, and it will release.

Materials

• Using wire, string or twine can cause bruising or breakage of tender plant parts if you use any of these materials for tying plants to supports. Instead, choose plastic nursery tape, strips of fabric or another flexible material for your plant staking and tying project.