How to Stake Garden Plants

Staking garden plants prevents breakage and keeps fruit from resting against the ground, where it is more likely to spoil or be eaten by pests. It also makes it much easier to treat the plants for insect infestation and disease. Wood and metal stakes both work well, though metal stakes tend to last longer. Put the stakes in place before your garden plants get too large to prevent damage to the foliage and roots.

• 1

  Place a 4-foot wood or metal stake beside the plant at a slight angle. The stake should be positioned approximately 3 to 4 inches from the base of the plant.

• 2

  Hammer the stake 4 to 6 inches deep into the ground.

• 3

  Secure the plant to the stake with non-wired plant ties or pantyhose. Attach the plant using a figure-8 loop so that the stem will not be damaged by the stake during windy weather.

• 4

  Check the stakes regularly to make sure they are secure and that no damage is being caused to the stem of the plant. This is especially important after a period of windy weather.