For plants that grow tall, tying them to a stake in the ground as they grow can help protect them from wind and heavy rain. Stake plants with weaker stems or heavy leaves to stop them from bending or breaking. Staking the right way has benefits for your garden.
How and when to stake your plants
When it comes to supporting your growing plants, it’s always a good idea to plan. Always think about how tall your plants will get as you start growing them. This is to understand if your plants will need a stake as they grow. If you add the stake later, you’re more likely to accidentally damage the roots of your plants.
It’s always a good idea to start tying your plants early to avoid breaking. Once your plant starts bending a little and can no longer hold itself upright, it’s a good time to tie it in. Staking will depend on the type of plant you are growing and its growing habits.
Ways to support plant staking
There are as many ways to support your plants as they grow. With different techniques to support your plants, you can choose a variety of stakes to support them.
Mesh cage
Form a cylinder of mesh cage wire slightly narrower to stake your plants. Place the mesh cage over your plants early in the growing season. Thread a few stakes through the mesh; sink into the soil for added support.
Single stake
One of the most common ways to support your plants is to do the single stake technique. Use twine, hook-and-loop plant ties, or wire to bind the stems of your plants.
Linking plants
Upright pieces with arms that link and form joints you can bend. Use this technique on any plants that have flopped, are overtaking less vigorous plants, or are leaning into your garden pathway. It is a way of controlling how the plants grow.
Benefits of staking plants
- Staking plants helps develop fine and gross motor skills and coordination as they grow.
- It gives plants a sense of caring and nurturing to become fully healthy plants.
- Supports your plants
- Just observe the plants as they grow.
First published on Garden & Home
Words compiled by Chumasande Matiwane
Also see: The best plants for your home office
