sticks for holding up plants

Supporting Plants With Sticks A Guide to Using Plant Stakes

As both outdoor and indoor plants grow taller, their stems often require some extra support to remain upright. Using sticks or stakes is an easy and effective way to provide this assistance. With proper placement, plant stakes can keep top-heavy blooms standing tall and prevent floppy, sprawling growth. This allows the plant to display its full beauty.

What Are Plant Stakes?

Plant stakes, also called plant sticks or plant supports, are sticks placed into the soil next to or underneath plants to offer structural support. Stakes stabilize leaning stems and keep them growing straight upward. They provide a sturdy prop for the plant to grow against or wrap around.

Stakes come in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes to suit different plant needs

• Wooden stakes – Made of wood, these stakes blend into outdoor garden beds. Hardwood stakes are very durable.

• Bamboo stakes – Natural-looking supports made of bamboo sticks. Biodegradable and sustainable.

• Metal stakes – Rust-resistant steel or iron stakes last for years. May have loop tops for tying stems.

• Plastic stakes – Affordable but durable plastic plant supports in bright colors. Some are coated wire.

• Branches – Pruned branches from shrubs make natural looking supports. Cut at an angle at the bottom before inserting into soil.

Typical sizes range from 8 inches to 5 feet tall. Select stakes at least 6 inches taller than the current plant height.

Placing Stakes for Proper Support

To provide effective assistance, stakes must be positioned properly in relation to the plant. Follow these tips:

• Place stakes 6-12 inches away from the plant stem to avoid puncturing roots.

• Push stakes at least 6 inches into the ground for stability. Deeper for larger plants.

• For top-heavy blooms, use a central stake behind the main stem. Or, use 2-3 stakes in a triangle around the plant.

• Stake floppy or vining plants by weaving stems through stakes as they grow. Space stakes every 6-12 inches.

• Set stakes at time of planting or when stems first begin leaning. Staking too late can damage stems.

• For potted plants, push the stake through the drainage hole into soil to anchor it.

Securing the Plant to Stakes

Once inserted next to the plant at the proper spacing and depth, the stake itself does not provide support. Stems must be gently tied to the stake. Use these fastening methods:

• Twist ties – Twistable, bendable metal ties are very adjustable and reusable. They do not cut into stems.

• Cotton ties – Soft, stretchy cotton strips hold stems without digging in. They deteriorate over time.

• Twine – Natural twine like jute loosely secures to stakes without restricting growth.

• Stretch/flex tape – Specialty stretch tapes and ribbons flex with the stem as it grows.

Tie stems loosely to allow some slack as they grow thicker. Check ties regularly to loosen or retie if constricting. Remove ties once plants are fully supported by the mature stems and stakes.

Caring for Staked Plants

Staking does immobilize plants somewhat, so they require extra care:

• Monitor moisture – Staked plants cannot lean toward sunlight if they need more water. Check soil regularly.

• Fertilize annually – Immobile plants depend on roots accessing nutrients. Maintain fertile soil with annual compost top-dressing.

• Inspect for signs of disease – Check often for pests, fungi, or other problems that can lurk on still plants.

• Prune or pinch for fullness – Pinch or cut back the tips of staked plants to encourage bushy growth all around the support.

• Check tie tightness – Loosen any ties constricting swelling stems, which can lead to girdling.

• Remove stakes promptly – Eliminate stakes once stems are self-supporting to prevent dependency.

Ideal Plants for Staking Support

The tall, top-heavy growth habit of some popular plants makes staking a must:

• Delphinium – Dense, heavy blooms cause these tall perennials to keel over without support.

• Peony – Abundant, huge flowers on peonies require a hidden center stake at minimum to remain upright.

• Dahlia – Extra-large dahlia blooms need individual stakes and ties for each stem to stand erect.

• Sunflower – Once sunflower heads ripen, very tall stems need staking to withstand winds and rain.

• Tomato – Stakes down the row keep tomato vines contained and prevent fruits from touching soil.

• Rose – The canes of hybrid tea and climbing roses need tying to angled, interwoven trellises or stakes.

Properly using stakes enables even the most floppy herbs and flowers to grow tall and display their full form. With some simple sticks and ties, plants prone to leaning can be trained upward for aesthetic appeal and easier care. Just be sure to use appropriately sized, well-anchored stakes and loose ties to avoid damaging delicate stems.