Growing Tubes for New Vines

[hardworkin]

I have some vines planted and I would like to put some growing tubes on them. I was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap, homemade way to create these tubes. I only have about a dozen vines so I don't feel like paying for a package of 100 or pay more for shipping than what it costs for a dozen tubes. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

[grapeman]

Some people use drain tile tubing to make them. If you have access to some, cut to your desired length of say 24-36 inches. Some will slit it on one side for applying, but can probably get away without the slit in putting it on.

 

[Runningwolf]

Rich, that's a great Idea. Wish I would have thought of that for my fruit trees.

 

[hardworkin]

I thought about drain tubing, but all I have seen is 4 inch or larger. I didn't know if that would be too big and still work. Thank you for the response.

 

[StevenD55]

Question....are you adding grow tubes for winter? If so, is it because of pests or something else. I only ask because I was of the understanding that tubes can trap damaging cold near the trunk, damaging the vines which can be particularly a problem with grafted vines.

If you are having trouble with pests like rabbits, I have used the wrap sold for fruit trees effectively.

2 cents....

 

[hardworkin]

My vines... (the few I have)... have been in the ground for about two years and I just want the tubes so that I can re-train them to grow in a straight and upright manner. I didn't plan on putting the tubes on until Spring but I thought that I would get a jump on ordering them or making them since things have slowed down a bit.
I plan on pruning them in January or February, but prior to them showing any sign of new growth, I wanted to put some sort of training tube on them.

 

[TonyR]

Grow tubes won't help much with that. I believe the best thing to use is some kind of post or pole. I have used bamboo, just pound them into the soil next to your vine them tie the vine to the pole, kind of like gardeners do to tomatoes. If you have a table saw or access to one you can rip 2x4's in half just don't use treated ones.