The Lemon Fool

I have just cut down and old forsythia and there are some fairly string branches. I was wondering whether I could trim them down to use them as support for growing peas and beans next year? Or is there a risk they will take route?

Thanks
Clariman

Should be fine as long as you store them somewhere dry over winter. Not sure I would use them for anything more substantial than peas though - can't imagine they would be strong enough for vigorous beans.

In my experience they always take bl00dy root. And as mentioned, forsythia is not particularly strong as a stake - although the thicker branches (>20mm) ought to be useful?

I regularly use our philadelphus shoots as bean supports. After drying them out through the winter, I plant them in the ground upside down, and they don't shoot. Might be worth trying this with the forsythia?

BJ