I tried spearing stalks, nailing stalks, zip tying stalks and rope tying stalks. I won't even mention the time I tried dangling by the bottom leaf and how many times they came down.
I think I 1 upped the tobacco industry here, 1" stainless s hooks. At first I thought I should sharpen them so I could punch through the woody exterior of the stalk easier but the thought of sharpening hundreds of hooks was daunting.
No matter though, I found an easier way: at the base of each leaf where it attaches to the stalk there is a soft spot. The s hook enters rather easily with a square base, rotate it and it firmly engages the woody exterior of the stalk. These can then be hung till done and reused the next year. No trying to get a sharp nail in at just the right angle, no need for a fancy spear head and a crap ton of wooden poles. Just hang rope straight, fit a hook and hang it.
Edit to add the photos:
5 dollars for 100 s hooks on Amazon, I got 3 packs and don't intend to ever do more than 300 plants again, so should be lifetime supply.
Insert at an angle right at the base, it's a small soft spot but you'll develop the knack for finding it quick.
View attachment 21761
Rotate hook up so it will hang, it moves easily in the pith and holds weight on the woody part.
View attachment 21762
Takes a second or two, then hang it.
View attachment 21763
Rinse, repeat
View attachment 21764
View attachment 21765
I think I 1 upped the tobacco industry here, 1" stainless s hooks. At first I thought I should sharpen them so I could punch through the woody exterior of the stalk easier but the thought of sharpening hundreds of hooks was daunting.
No matter though, I found an easier way: at the base of each leaf where it attaches to the stalk there is a soft spot. The s hook enters rather easily with a square base, rotate it and it firmly engages the woody exterior of the stalk. These can then be hung till done and reused the next year. No trying to get a sharp nail in at just the right angle, no need for a fancy spear head and a crap ton of wooden poles. Just hang rope straight, fit a hook and hang it.
Edit to add the photos:
5 dollars for 100 s hooks on Amazon, I got 3 packs and don't intend to ever do more than 300 plants again, so should be lifetime supply.
Insert at an angle right at the base, it's a small soft spot but you'll develop the knack for finding it quick.
View attachment 21761
Rotate hook up so it will hang, it moves easily in the pith and holds weight on the woody part.
View attachment 21762
Takes a second or two, then hang it.
View attachment 21763
Rinse, repeat
View attachment 21764
View attachment 21765
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