How to Stake a Plant

Co-authored by Gus Briones

Last Updated: April 8, 2024

Sometimes plants can withstand the elements on their own, while others may need help standing up and thriving. Plants may move too much in the wind or are too heavy to stay off the ground. The main purpose for staking plants is to provide support for the plants, whether they're flowers or vegetables. In order to know how to stake a plant correctly, you must know the growth rate of the plants and the type of weather conditions the plants may encounter.

Steps

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Place the stake at an angle to offer additional support to the plant.^{[1]
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You should use a figure-8 loop to allow the plant to move without scratching or rubbing the stem. You can use the same method for more than 1 stake.^{[2]
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Add the ties about 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 cm) apart. Make sure you secure the tie to the stake and not the plant in order to allow the plant to grow without restriction. All of the branches may be gathered at a single stake near the plant's center to provide additional support.^{[3]
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Determine the size and amounts of plant stake you need. If you have a fast-growing plant, you may need to re-stake them every few months. Consider how large the plant will be in a year, and stake accordingly. The stake should be about 12 inches (30.5 cm) higher than the plant. Additionally, if your plant is in an area that doesn't suffer from strong winds, you may be able to use 1 to 2 stakes. For gustier winds, plan for at least 3 stakes.^{[4]
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- If you're using wooden stakes, make sure the wood is left untreated. Stains or paints on the wood may contain chemicals that can leach into the soil.
- Reusable garden stakes are a long-lasting option and fold easily for winter storage. Ideal for vegetable plants, these stakes might come in L shapes and hook closely together to make whatever size you desire.

Community Q&A

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I have two rose bushes that are leaning heavily because of the four inches of rain we got overnight. There was a little bit of leaning from a lot of wind, also. Will I have to stake them?

Community Answer

Yes, you probably should, or they will just keep on leaning and might eventually snap the roots.

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Tips

For established plants, make sure you avoid the roots when striking the stake into the ground. If you hit the roots, you may injure or even kill the plant.

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Tying off plants may seem like a lot of work, but it is necessary if you want to help your plants thrive. Without the ties, the plants may bend over, become covered in mud, or snap off and die.

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Set out plant supports in early spring when the perennial plants are just beginning to grow. If you're planting annuals or vegetables, you can add the stakes at the same time you plant them.

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