From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Deerfield, Michigan

Looking for some suggestions on how to support my TC and SF this year. Last year I used a 20 ft wooden ladder and kept tying them up as they grew. Didn't work out well once I got up high. I have seen a few other growers build platforms almost like scaffolding and have it 18 - 20 ft high. It seems to work for them and that may be the way I go but just wanting to see how other growers support and get up that high. Pictures would be great. Please post link if you have one if not e-mail me laginess1968@yahoo.com. Thanks

3/10/2014 8:35:35 PM

Johnston, Iowa

I would like to get some feedback on this too. I've never supported my tall corn, and methods which have worked for others would be appreciated!

3/11/2014 10:27:13 AM

Brisbane Australia

[URL=http://s111.photobucket.com/user/stillmanz/media/corn/DSCF2957_zpsd98da40f.jpg.html][IMG]http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n153/stillmanz/corn/DSCF2957_zpsd98da40f.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
I use heavy steaks and tomato canes and build a trellis box around the corn, otherwise mine would be flat with the sea winds we get. I am always going to grow in hills of 5 plants from now on.

3/11/2014 3:47:52 PM

Deerfield, Michigan

Stillman I wasn't able to pull up the pictures. My problem is getting up above 15 ft.

3/11/2014 5:50:03 PM

Deerfield, Michigan

Any help out there?

3/12/2014 4:10:49 PM

Rochester, NY

I went to an extreme and had telephone poles installed. I run rope down from brackets at the top of the poles and secure them to a dog tie-out that I've buried in the ground. I also run ropes from brackets on the south side of my barn and have just as good of luck. I thought the limited sun would hurt them but it might have made them stretch a little. The only other thing you can do is erect one of those scaffolding things you see. Too much work for me. Here are some pictures, http://giantgardening.com/rec_sunflower.php

3/12/2014 6:51:45 PM

Rochester, NY

Here's a pict of the side of my barn, http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=168750

3/12/2014 9:42:50 PM

Deerfield, Michigan

Thanks Steve. Those are great examples of ways to support. I have access to old telephone poles and auger that may just work for me.

3/13/2014 5:14:52 PM

Rochester, NY

The rule of thumb when sinking a pole is to bury 1/5 the total length of the pole. Example 30' pole is buried 6'.

3/13/2014 5:48:07 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

i use electrical conduit it's cheap and can be bolted together to increase height as needed, i drive larger diameter pipe into the ground then slip the conduit into it.

4/25/2014 4:03:31 PM

NILES , CALIF

Hi AFVETERAN;
Our pole setting reguirements in calif are different,
10 percent of the length of pole, plus 2 feet.
which is 5ft for a 30ft pole .
You can get a pair of climbers and gaff up that pole
tie up your sunflower plants; piece of cake

4/25/2014 6:08:42 PM

Alabama

Just browsing and haven't grown these, but must say I found it very interesting to have flowers that require climbing a telephone pole to support. That sounds AWESOME! Best growing and climbing to you guys!!

5/17/2014 10:23:21 PM