Welcome to the Garden Ninja Gardening Forum! If you have a gardening question that you can't find answers to then ask below to seek help from the Garden Ninja army! Please make your garden questions as specific and detailed as possible so the community can provide comprehensive answers in the online forum below.

Welcome to the ultimate beginner gardening and garden design forum! Where no gardening question is too silly or obvious. This online gardening forum is run by Lee Burkhill, the Garden Ninja from BBC 1's Garden Rescue and a trusted group of experienced gardeners.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert gardener, it's a safe place to ask garden-related questions for garden design or planting. If you have a problem in your garden or need help, this is the Garden Forum for you!

Posting Rules: This space is open for all garden-related questions. Please be polite, courteous and respectful. If you wouldn't say it to your mum's face, then don't post it here. Please don't promote, sell, link spam or advertise here. Please don't ask for 'cheeky' full Garden redesigns here. They will be deleted.

If you need a garden design service, please use this page to book a design consultation. I will block anyone who breaks these rules or is discourteous to the Garden Ninja Community.

Join the forum below with your gardening questions!

Ask a Gardening QuestionBeginner Gardening Questions & Guides: First time gardener questionsVine eye screws

Please or Register to create posts and topics.

Vine eye screws

#1 · 17th September 2023, 12:04 pm

Hello… I would like to attach a tension wire rope to my wooden garden fence (to support a jasmine plant) using vine eye screws. But there are so many different lengths of these screws I don’t know which ones would be best. The ones I have at the moment are 5cm long. Will these be long enough? Also is it necessary to use turn buckles or could I just twist the wire rope round the vine eye screw to stay in place? Many thanks if you have any advice.

#2 · 18th September 2023, 3:07 pm

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 18th September 2023, 3:07 pm
Hi @jackieg
Great question over screws and vine eye screws for plants. You have a few considerations but most of them are choosing the length of screw and thickness of wire to support the plant adequately. Some heavier plants like espalier apple trees need thick wires and long screws.
For a wooden post then as long as the screws have good purchase and the wire can be pulled taught you should be ok.
Most climbing plants like vines and Jasmin will be fine with a lighter touch as they don’t get that heavy.
Choosing vine eye screws for climbing plants involves considering a few factors like the plant's weight, growth pattern, and the surface you're attaching them to.
Here's a step-by-step guide for other Ninjas considering wiring for climbing plants:
1. Assess Climbing Plant: Determine the weight and growth pattern of your climbing plant. Some plants are lightweight and have delicate tendrils, while others are heavier and require sturdier support.
2. Select Material: Vine eye screws are available in various materials like stainless steel, brass, and zinc-plated steel. Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, making it a popular choice for outdoor use.
3. Length and Diameter: Choose screws with an appropriate length and diameter. The length should be sufficient to anchor securely into the support surface. The diameter should match the size of the plant's stems or vines.
4. Spacing: Determine the spacing between the vine eye screws. This depends on the plant's growth pattern. For twining plants, like ivy, place screws closer together. For plants with longer stems, like roses, you can space them further apart.
5. Location: Identify where you'll install the vine eye screws. Make sure they are securely attached to a sturdy structure, such as a wooden fence, wall, or pergola.
6. Installation: Use appropriate tools (e.g., drill, screwdriver) to install the screws. Ensure they are screwed in tightly and securely.
7. Aesthetic Considerations: If aesthetics matter, choose vine eye screws that match the color or style of your support structure.
8. Maintenance: Periodically inspect the screws and adjust them if necessary as the plant grows.
9. Consider Growth Height: Plan for the plant's potential growth height. Install screws at a height that accommodates the plant's mature size.
Hope that helps?
Lee

Hi @jackieg

Great question over screws and vine eye screws for plants. You have a few considerations but most of them are choosing the length of screw and thickness of wire to support the plant adequately. Some heavier plants like espalier apple trees need thick wires and long screws.

For a wooden post then as long as the screws have good purchase and the wire can be pulled taught you should be ok.

Most climbing plants like vines and Jasmin will be fine with a lighter touch as they don’t get that heavy.

Choosing vine eye screws for climbing plants involves considering a few factors like the plant's weight, growth pattern, and the surface you're attaching them to.

Here's a step-by-step guide for other Ninjas considering wiring for climbing plants:

1. Assess Climbing Plant: Determine the weight and growth pattern of your climbing plant. Some plants are lightweight and have delicate tendrils, while others are heavier and require sturdier support.

2. Select Material: Vine eye screws are available in various materials like stainless steel, brass, and zinc-plated steel. Stainless steel is durable and rust-resistant, making it a popular choice for outdoor use.

3. Length and Diameter: Choose screws with an appropriate length and diameter. The length should be sufficient to anchor securely into the support surface. The diameter should match the size of the plant's stems or vines.

4. Spacing: Determine the spacing between the vine eye screws. This depends on the plant's growth pattern. For twining plants, like ivy, place screws closer together. For plants with longer stems, like roses, you can space them further apart.

5. Location: Identify where you'll install the vine eye screws. Make sure they are securely attached to a sturdy structure, such as a wooden fence, wall, or pergola.

6. Installation: Use appropriate tools (e.g., drill, screwdriver) to install the screws. Ensure they are screwed in tightly and securely.

7. Aesthetic Considerations: If aesthetics matter, choose vine eye screws that match the color or style of your support structure.

8. Maintenance: Periodically inspect the screws and adjust them if necessary as the plant grows.

9. Consider Growth Height: Plan for the plant's potential growth height. Install screws at a height that accommodates the plant's mature size.

Hope that helps?

Lee