Which Plant Support Options Will Maximize Commercial Crop Production For Indoor, Greenhouse, & Field Grown Crops?

MORR offers a wide range of solutions when it comes to plant support in commercial crop production.  Plant support is important for proper plant growth, photosynthesis, and preventing crop damage.  By properly training the growth of a plant, harvest yields increase in both quantity and quality.

Different growing styles between crop types often require their own unique solutions - and although these solutions often look similar when shopping online, they are far from commensurate in quality and performance.

Some of the most popular solutions are listed below, but if you recently acquired a farm or want to try something different, please contact a MORR technical representative and inquire regarding options for your crop, location, and style of operation.  You will be surprised what is not available these days that was not popular in the past and is compatible with automation.  We have not listed those options here as they are outside the scope of this article.

ARABLE ACRES SOFT MESH TRELLIS

• WIDTH: 5.5-Foot (66-Inches)

• LENGTH: 350-Foot, 750-Foot

• HOLE SIZE: 6-Inch x 6-Inch (Plus stretch)

• KEY BENEFIT: Added stretch to easily reach trellis poles without tearing

• MATERIAL: Woven nylon 

• UV INHIBITED: No

• PACKAGING: Box

Soft mesh trellis is a 5.5-Foot-wide roll of nylon yarn-like material, woven into 6-Inch x 6-Inch squares that range in length from 350-Foot to 750-Foot.  This product is generally used by indoor growers utilizing rolling benches and is lightweight and easy to deploy.

This product is common for indoor growers seeking simplicity and only one cycle with the trellis netting.  Its small size makes it easy to store onsite and deploy with each growing cycle by a single individual.  Fits most 4-Foot, 5-Foot, and 5.5-Foot rolling benches.  Can fit 6-Foot rolling benches with zip ties.

Comprised of a soft woven nylon material, the trellis is gentle on the crop and produce and should not damage the harvest.

When asking farmers where they purchased their soft mesh trellis netting prior to working with us, we are often told Amazon and other online distributors.  The issue with this is that one cannot gauge the quality of the product.  For example, what amount of weight will it hold, how far will it stretch, are the weaves good between squares or will they tear during the cycle?  We have done the research for you, and can vouch for the quality of the products in our catalog.

ARABLE ACRES POLYPROPYLENE UV INHIBITED TRELLIS NETTING:

• WIDTH: 48-Inch, 60-Inch, 79-Inch, 120-Inch (10-Foot), 168-Inch (14-Foot) (Custom sizes available)

  

• LENGTH: 4920-Foot

• HOLE SIZE: 6-Inch x 6-Inch

• KEY BENEFIT: Extra thick 10 grams/meter2

• MATERIAL: 100% Virgin Polypropylene

• UV INHIBITED: Yes

• PACKAGING: Woven poly bag for protection during transport

• CORE TUBE DIAMETER: 1-1/2-Inch (38mm)

Polypropylene UV Inhibited Plastic trellis comes in a wider array of widths and is significantly longer than soft mesh.  This means the rolls are longer and heavier.  The durable plastic material is intended for multi-cycle use and does not require replacement after completing a growth cycle.  

Rolls are 48-Inch, 60-Inch, 79-Inch, and longer.  They are longer than the industry standard 3,280-Foot roll, boasting an impressive 4,920-Foot length (50% more trellis netting.)

As opposed to soft mesh trellis netting, polypropylene trellis is great for outdoor use as well as multi-cycle use, due in part to the UV Inhibited plastic and the strong seams that do not tear, split, rip, or break during usage.

The Arables Acres rolls come with a runner on the side that allows for a snug fit on most trellis poles with two options for where to slide over the T-Post or other trellis pole during installation.  While many other trellis products are 8 grams/meter2, this product is manufactured at 10 grams/meter2.  The extra thickness is crucial to ensure the squares do not tear during installation or during the growth cycle.  

While just about all trellis nettings look the same in a photo, they are far from equal.  MORR ensures only the best quality soft mesh and polypropylene trellis for our customers and many that have purchased our products are still buying them years later when it’s time to re-install.  It’s not uncommon to hear from growers that are amazed at how durable and long lasting our trellis products are when compared to other “similar” brands.

The cost of shipping a 3280-foot roll and a 4920-foot roll is approximately the same.  That being the case, why would you want 50% less material?  You wouldn’t.  Trellis is meant to be pulled tight between T-Posts or other trellis poles and it must support the tension without tearing or breaking.  We have yet to find a more durable solution.  There are tons of Chinese options for trellis and Amazon specials but only one company can get you the best price on the best quality product -  and that is where we come in.

ARABLE ACRES GARDEN TWIST TIE W/ CUTTER – GREEN PE COATED IRON – 2MM X 100 METER – 328-FOOT ROLL

• LENGTH: 328-Foot

• PACKAGING: Roll of green twist tie with cutter included

• CASE QUANTITY: 100/Case

• MATERIAL: PE Coated Iron wire

• COLOR: Green

• KEY FEATURES: Strong and durable material, lost cost, easy to cut during harvest

When crops begin growing early in the season it is crucial to train them to grow in a manner consistent with maximizing crop potential.  If branches are not spaced correctly, moisture can get trapped or leaves can stack and prevent photosynthesis.  

Our green twist tie can be used in conjunction with other plant support products and allows for branch fixing and placement for the rest of the crop cycle.  Low cost and quick to deploy, green twist tie has long been a favorite quick-fix for commercial crop producers in need of plant support.

Simply pull out the appropriate length of green twist tie and use the cutter included in the packaging to cut it from the master roll.  This durable coated wire can now be used to fix the position of branches and will have an immediate effect on the trajectory of growth.

The garden twist tie would appear to be a simple product, and without knowing the technical and practical differences that make a twist tie better long-term, it could be assumed they are all the same.  This is not the case.  Many similar products don’t have a functional cutter - their cutters are dull and difficult to use.  When pushing down, excess pressure and a lot of wiggling is required in order to cut the thin iron wire.  Additionally, we have seen the green PE material separate from the iron wire, brittle wire that breaks or falls apart during the season, and wire that is too soft to work with and greatly slows down the speed at which workers can tie. When it comes to this particular tool, saving a few dollars on a lower-end product isn’t worth it.

MIRACLE GARDEN TIE STRETCHABLE TAPE

• THICKNESS: 0.004 mil, 0.006 mil, 0.008 mil, 0.009 mil, 0.012 mil, and 0.020 mil

• LENGTH: 100-Foot, 140-Foot, 150-Foot, 200-Foot, 300-Foot

• WIDTH: 1/2-Inch, 1-Inch

• COLORS: Green, white, brown

• CASE QUANTITY: Pack of 24 (144/Cs)

• APPLICATIONS: Tying, training, flagging, staking

This premium garden tie is the most popular stretchable tape for tying, training, and flagging plants.  Rather than going with low-quality options that quickly degrade in direct sunlight and don’t stretch with the growth of the plant, Miracle Garden Tie is designed for crop producers that desire high quality inputs and maximum output.  

Miracle Garden Tie has been designed to stretch, as opposed to non-pliable tape that doesn’t accommodate crop growth.  Growers who choose Miracle Garden Tie vastly reduce or eliminate girdling of branches.  

Excellent for use in both the frigid climate of Northern Canada as well as the intense heat of the deserts in the Southern US.  Some of the key features that set Miracle Garden Tie apart from other, similar looking products, is that it is pliable, strong, color fast, and does not need to be re-tied as the crop grows and develops.  These benefits and more are part of what makes it our number one pick based on Return On Investment (ROI).

One of the most powerful applications for the 1/2-Inch Miracle Garden Tie is when used in the Tapener Tying Machines.  These handheld devices allow cultivators to quickly strap vines and crops to string, cable, or other plant support with the use of one hand.  

4 Mil comes in GREEN, WHITE, and CLEAR.  Small rolls are 120-foot, while larger 300-foot rolls are available.  This product is ideal for small crops that only require light tying.  One common application is in greenhouse liner propagation to establish straight trunk growth while still in pots.  1-Inch tape comes in WHITE and CLEAR and is often used for grafting pecans, citrus, grapes, avocados, stone fruits, and persimmons, and for budding crops.

6 Mil comes in GREEN and WHITE.  Small rolls are 80-foot, while larger 200-foot rolls are available.  This product is ideal for 5-gallon trees and larger plants and is popular for tying grapevines.  Also used for grafting and budding. 

7 Mil comes in GREEN EMBOSSED.  Small rolls are 80-foot, while larger 170-foot rolls are available.  This product is ideal for situations where magnetic-stick is an issue.  The embossed material is similar in durability to the 6 Mil but is less likely to stick to itself.  Great for hot summer months where other rolls will get soft and stick to themselves, making it difficult for the Tapener to grab and pull the tape when attempting to tie.

8 Mil comes in GREEN and BROWN EMBOSSED.  Small rolls are 60-foot, while larger 150-foot rolls are available.  This product is popular with 15-gallon trees and tying heavier canes on berries and grapes.  This product will not girdle and will last for years in direct sunlight.

9 Mil comes in WHITE EMBOSSED.  Small rolls are 56-foot, while larger 140-foot rolls are available.  This product is the most popular tying tape for use in the MAX Tapeners.  The embossed material is similar in durability to the 8 Mil but is less likely to stick to itself.  Great for hot summer months where other rolls will get soft and stick to themselves, making it difficult for the Tapener to grab and pull the tape when attempting to tie.

12 Mil comes in GREEN.  There is only one size of roll that is 100-foot.  This product is great for those that want to Tie It and Forget It.  The product is exceptionally strong yet pliable and easy to handle.  ½-Inch is popular in vineyards with mechanical harvesting while 1-Inch is generally used in nursery trees and landscaping.

20 Mil comes in GREEN.  There is only one size of roll that is 60-foot.  The 1/2-Inch length is used for supporting and tying orchard treetops and apple trellis work.  Generally, this product cannot be broken by hand.

EMBOSSED is added texture on the rolls of tape that helps it to not stick to itself in hot climates.  Excellent for use in the Tapener but not recommended for hand tying since the tape will fall off the roll during use.

While we are certain you will be able to find cheaper products out there, we are equally certain that you will not find anything that is better quality, better for your crop, and in the long run better for your wallet.  This product lasts longer, is more reliable when using Tapeners or other hand-held tools and will stretch without breaking for unhindered growth.  Farms seeking higher efficiency should use this stretchable plant tie.

ARABLE ACRES FRP FIBERGLASS PLANT STAKES – UV RESISTANT

One common question we hear from growers is “how should I stake my crop for support during the early growth stages?”  Stakes can be expensive and there is everything from low-cost bamboo to expensive metal options.  What we have come to believe in are fiberglass plant stakes.  

These low-cost alternatives to both bamboo and expensive stakes options can be used for years to come, don’t cost much more than bamboo when purchasing in bulk, and hold up very well in direct sunlight.  At MORR, we have the ability to customize the color, length, width, tip, and just about anything needed.

Common applications in agriculture include grafted plants pending shipment, recently planted trees including nuts and citrus, and grapes.  Arable Acres fiberglass plant stakes are very popular for nurseries and plant propagators.  

Common sizes are 40-Inch, 48-Inch, and 72-Inch.  Common widths are 5mm, 8mm, and 9.5mm.  Color preference varies based on preference.  Tips can be plain or pointed.  Varying amounts of UV Inhibitor can be used depending on desired duration of use.

Just about every part of these stakes can be customized.  

Many companies manufacture fiberglass stakes, but doing so at the industry’s best price for commercial crop production is something only Arable Acres and MORR do together.  Arable Acres can maximize savings since they produce huge quantities of fiberglass stakes, and MORR is determined to provide the best pricing so you can reinvest into your farm and keep it profitable . 

Should you require a specific plant stake that is not listed on our website, please contact your MORR Sales Representative.  Lead time is generally 60-days for custom runs.

ARABLE ACRES VINE CLIPS

Vine clips, also known as tomato and cucumber clips, are common when training plants early in the growth cycle.  As the crops grow and develop, additional clips can be added to ensure high air porosity in the canopy, increased levels of photosynthesis, and less broken and sagging branches due to lack of support.

When selecting vine clips, there are some crucial variables to ensure you’re not being scammed.  Be sure the plastic is rigid and durable.  Some clips look like Arable Acres clips, but they are squishy and lack firmness.  Flimsy clips  prevent quick deployment, slowing down workers and raising labor costs, outstripping any savings on the clips themselves.  

Click, click, click.  It is important that the clips are what they advertise to be, clips.  Many brands don’t click together nicely and don’t stay together.  These inferior clips can open during the growth cycle and cost the farm a lot of money in material, labor, and crop damage.  The click sound is a helpful assurance that the clasp has been made.  This is crucial when deploying in a dense canopy or when vision is impaired.

Look for a ventilated side wall.  With tape and some other forms of plant support, the crop gets choked, girdled, and loses its ability to grow to its potential.  With ventilated vine clips, the crop can breathe, grow, and develop uninterrupted.  Generally, the labor associated with vine clips is less than that of tapes.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLIP USAGE PER PLANT:

• 5 to 10 clips for short-term growth, 10 to 20 clips for long-term growth

• 20 centimeters between clips

• Clips should be placed below the leaf, before the tomato cluster

Don’t make a bad purchase before checking the quality to cost ratio.  Arable Acres products have been extensively tested, and in the market for many years, so we can confidently stand behind their quality and sound operation.  Solid CLICK on every clip, ventilated design, and the absolute lowest price available.  If you require bulk quantities please contact your MORR Sales Representative for negotiated pricing.