As autumn draws near it is the time to think about planting trees. Those growing in a container can be planted anytime of the year but anything with a bare root ball needs to be planted in late autumn through to early winter while the tree is dormant. The wind whistles through my garden at a rate of knots, severely tossing my trees and shrubs about. To avoid any damage I stake my trees.  I use the inner rubber tubes from punctured bicycle tyres to tie my trees to a wooden post. The tubing is soft and flexible to allow for some movement but strong enough to hold its own in a strong gust.

It’s so easy- just chop the tube into a long section with a sharp scissors, wind it around your tree and use a staple gun or hammer and nail to secure it to a wooden support. Works like a dream. You may need to squish out all the gunk from inside the tube- I did. Not being a cycling aficionado I couldn’t say if all tubes have this or not. Anyone…? Be warned it could be messy. Next time your bicycle tyre is punctured hang on to the holey inner tube. I promise, you will find so many uses for it in the garden. All suggestions for more innovative uses welcome.