Climbing plants can be an excellent addition to your garden. They form superb cover for fences and walls, can provide shade from the heat if grown on a pergola, and create visual variety when planted among the trees and shrubs in the garden. Several climbing vine plants produce flowers and fruits which add life and colour.
Climbing plants are usually grown from cuttings and/or seeds. Not all cuttings have the same chance of successful growth. The best cuttings are those taken from a young plant and especial from a stem or branch that has yet to harden (a state that some gardeners refer to as ‘semi-hardwood). The cut should be made just below a node as this is where the roots for the new plant are more likely to sprout from. If seeds are used, fresh and ripe seeds form the climbing plants.
The soil where the cuttings or seeds will be planted must be prepared before cultivation. The best ground for climbing plant growth is well drained and rich in bio-matter. Not all gardens will be fortunate to have such soil. However, you do not have to ‘import’ soil – even clay and sandy soils can be worked to make them ideal for plant growth. Clay soils may be fortified with gypsum while sandy soils can be made more conducive by adding some compost or any other form of organic matter.
Climbing plants require support especially at their initial growth phase. Lattice, wire mesh, arches, pergolas, fences and walls have traditionally provided very effective support. Tree trunks and shrubs if available can work just as well too.
When choosing climbing plants for a garden, you must factor the garden soil type as well as the climactic conditions. Plants that may work well in tropical locations may struggle in temperate climatic zones.
Unless you can get the same from a willing neighbour, friend or relative, only buy climbing plant seeds and cuttings from reputable nurseries. Visit several nurseries to get a clear picture of what it will cost and compare different climbers.
Sometimes it may be better to purchase the climbing plants as opposed to simply getting cuttings from friends and relatives especially if you want to have the best climbing plants in your garden. Buying will cost you but if they are quality climbing vine plants, the payoff will be worth it.
