Vines climb by tendrils, by twining or by clinging. These three types of climbing methods will determine the kind of support needed.

Tendrils are slim, flexible, leafless stems that wrap themselves around anything they contact. Grapes are the best known vines that climb by tendrils. Vines that use tendrils to climb will need supports such as wire or thin wood stakes.

Twining vines wind their stems around any available support. Honeysuckle and wisteria use this method of climbing. Twining and tendril-type vines climb best on wires, trellises and arbors. They can be grown on flat surfaces only if proper supports are also provided. Vine supports should be constructed with sturdy, durable materials.

Clinging vines, like Boston ivy, climb by attaching small rootlike holdfasts to walls, trees or other rough-textured surfaces as a means of support. Clinging vines can be used on either brick or masonry walls. They should never be used on the walls of frame buildings. Their method of climbing has a tendency to damage wood.

GROWING VINES

Most vines grow well in moist but well-drained soil, but there are vines for almost every soil and light condition.

Vines will need pruning to limit growth, to thin the stems and branches and to remove dead or damaged wood. Vines that grow rapidly may need to be pruned at frequent intervals. Vines may develop sparse foliage low on the trellis and develop a mass of foliage at the top. To prevent this, pinch back the ends of the stems as they develop.