Helpful information
Timing: Most frequently needed in spring and summer
Where to do it: Outdoors
Garden space: Large garden, small garden, balcony, greenhouse
Many plants that grow tall will benefit from being tied to a stake in the ground. We look at which plants could use this support and how to do it.
- Staking plants helps develop fine and gross motor skills and coordination
- Looking after your plants as they grow gives a sense of caring and nurturing
- Enjoy time close up with nature, observing your plants and everything else around you
Sunflowers tied to bamboo stakes
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.
Particularly for plants with weaker stems or heavy leaves, fruit or flower heads, staking can stop them from bending or breaking. Keeping them upright can also allow air to circulate more freely around, supporting plant health.
Examples of plants to stake and tie in
Many vegetables and perennials can benefit from being staked and tied in. As a rough guide, if they grow to 1 metre or taller, staking in may be helpful. Some examples are:
- Tomatoes
- Peas
- Beans
- Peppers
- Blackberries
- Sunflowers
- Tall-growing perennials (delphiniums, peonies, dahlias - variety dependent)
How to stake your plants
There are different ways to support plants. In this guide, we look at using a stake such as a bamboo cane. You can find some other options at the end of this article.
When to start staking in plants
When it comes to supporting plants, it's always a good idea to plan ahead. Think about how tall your plants will get as you start growing them. If they will need a stake, add this at the same time as planting. If you add the stake later, you're more likely to accidentally damage the roots.
It's also a good idea to start tying your plants early. You don't want to wait for them to completely flop over or break! Once your plant starts bending a little and can no longer hold itself upright, it's a good time to tie it in.
For plants like tomatoes that produce heavy trusses of fruit, start tying in before this extra weight arrives.
How tall should a stake be
The height of a stake will depend a bit on the plant. For some that are naturally upright, you should be ok if your stake reaches to about 2/3 the height of your plant when fully grown. To be on the safe side, you may choose to use a stake that will stay a little taller than your plant.
If your stakes are much shorter than your plants, they are more likely to still be affected by wind and rain.
Essential items
- Stakes (e.g. bamboo canes)
- Garden string / twine
Optional items
- Mallet
Tools to make it easier
- Plastic ties (a useful alternative to string if you have any problems with dexterity)
- Cane topper (a small plant pot or tennis ball can also work)
A peony tied with string to a stake
Follow these steps to stake and tie your plant with ease.
Step 1: Place stake in the ground
Push your stake into the ground. Position it around 2-3 inches away from the stem of the plant you wish to support. Make sure you don't push the stake into the root of the plant.
So your stake is secure, push it quite far into the soil so it is stable. If the stake is sturdy enough, you may find it helpful to use a mallet, especially if the soil is hard.
Depending on weather conditions, you may need multiple stakes per plant. Some plants, like French beans, may also benefit from a wigwam of stakes.
Make it easier
Placing a cane topper on top of your stake can be a good way to avoid accidentally injuring yourself. They can be particularly useful if you have any sight loss.
You can buy cane toppers, or you could use a small plastic plant pot or a tennis ball sliced open.
A small plant pot placed on top of a bamboo cane for safety and visibility
Step 2: Tie your plant using string
Take a length of string and carefully secure the plant to the stake.
There's a balancing act in how firmly to tie the string. If it's too tight, it may damage the plant, but if it's too loose it won't give enough support. A figure of 8 loop can work well. This gives you a small loop around the stake, the strings cross over and then a small loop around the plant. This way of tying string allows the plant to move freely and safely without scratching the stem.
Make it easier
If you have any challenges with dexterity, you may find plastic ties easier to use than string. Because plastic is tougher than string, check on your ties as the plant grows to make sure they don't become too tight.
As your plant grows, you may need to continue adding more string ties. Leave a roughly 6-8 inch gap between each string on the stake.
Check your ties regularly to make sure they are not cutting into the plant. Loosen if needed. This provides a nice opportunity to get close with your plants and enjoy seeing how they are growing.
Other than this, take care of your plants as normal, providing them the sunlight and water they need.
A single stake is just one way of supporting plants. Depending on what plants you are growing, you may decide it is better to try one of these instead:
- Tower structure (e.g. wooden wigwam or metal tower)
A homemade wooden plant wigwam using thick sticks
A metal tower plant support
- Metal hoop or ring (may be useful for non-climbing plants that do not grow extremely tall)
A metal ring plant support
- Tomato support cages
- Pea or bean frame
- For climbing plants, particularly if against a fence or wall, you may want a trellis or rows of wires
Related content
Why gardening is good for your health
You may already have green fingers, or you may have never gardened in your life. Whatever your experience, there are many ways gardening can improve your health and wellbeing.
