Stakes and Trellises - The Secret to Happy, Healthy Plants
Providing proper support for plants with stakes and trellises is one of the best things a gardener can do to keep plants healthy and strong. Stakes and trellises serve several important functions that lead to better growth and aesthetics.
The Benefits of Stakes
Stakes support individual stems and stalks, preventing damage from weather, pests, and the weight of the plant itself. Stakes come in handy for:
- Newly planted trees, shrubs, perennials
- Top heavy plants like dahlias and delphiniums
- Vegetables like tomatoes, peas, and beans
Properly staked plants can focus energy on developing strong roots and foliage rather than wasting energy trying to support themselves. Stakes also keep plants growing straight and tall.
Types of Stakes
There are several types of stakes to suit different planting needs:
- Single stakes - Best for new plantings and smaller, individual stems
- Tepee stakes - For plants that require central support like tomatoes
- Cage supports - Ideal for keeping bushy plants contained and supported
Choosing Trellises for Climbing Plants
Trellises are structures made up of latticework, wires, or other materials that allow climbing plants to grow upwards. They are perfect for:
- Vining vegetables - Cucumbers, beans, peas
- Ornamental vines - Clematis, trumpet vine, climbing roses
- Fruit plants - Grapes, kiwi, passionfruit
Matching the right trellis design to the climbing plant ensures adequate support:
| Trellis Type | Best Plant Matches |
|---|---|
| Fan trellis | Climbing roses, clematis |
| Lattice trellis | Vining vegetables, small fruited plants |
| Obelisk trellis | Sweet peas, morning glories |
| Pyramid trellis | Vigorous climbers like trumpet vine |
Trellis Placement Tips
Properly placing and securing trellises is important:
- Position trellises along a wall or fence for support if freestanding
- Angle obelisk trellises so vines spiral up
- Allow at least 12 inches between trellis and wall for air circulation
- Securely anchor into ground or with trellis anchors
With the proper stakes and trellises, plants can thrive and grow to their full potential, creating a beautiful and bountiful garden.
Stakes for Support and Trellises for Climbing Plants
Providing plants with proper structural support is an essential gardening practice. Stakes and trellises serve important, yet different, functions to help plants grow strong and healthy.
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Stakes Prevent Damage
Stakes support and anchor individual plant stems to keep them upright and prevent damage. Some examples where stakes are beneficial:
- Newly planted trees and shrubs need stakes while roots establish
- Heavy vegetable fruits like tomatoes and peppers should be staked to prevent breaking
- Tall flowers like delphiniums and gladiolus lean or flop over without support
One way stakes help is by alleviating stress on roots as the plant grows taller. An unsupported 4 ft. sunflower weighing 2 lbs puts a lot of downward force on its small root system. A strong stake relieves this pressure.
Stake Types and Materials
Popular stake types include:
- Single wood or metal stake - For newly planted perennials, shrubs, trees. Should be 1-2 ft. longer than plant's mature height.
- Bamboo tepee - For climbers like pole beans and cucumbers. Arrange stakes in a tepee shape and loosely tie plants as they grow.
- Tomato cages - Short metal rings formed into a cylinder to support bushy tomato plants, keeping fruits off the ground.
Stakes made of wood, metal, plastic, or bamboo all work well. Wood blends into gardens nicely but will rot over time. Metal and plastic last longer.
Trellises Support Climbing Growth
Trellises have open frameworks that allow vining plants to climb vertically. Some trellis types and uses:
- Arbors - Often used over pathways and entries. Great support for vining roses or grapes.
- Fences - Basic wooden or wire lattice transforms into a vertical eden for plants like clematis vine.
- Obelisks - Slender towers allow climbing plants like hyacinth bean vine to spiral gracefully upward.
Trellises can be made from wood, metal, plastic, or even flexible materials like jute twine. Choose durable materials for permanent structures.
Proper Setup Is Key
Following best practices when setting up stakes and trellises prevents problems:
- Anchor stakes 12-18 in. into the ground for stability
- Avoid penetrating root balls of newly planted stock
- Use twist ties or soft ties to attach plants loosely to allow some wiggle room
- Check ties regularly as plants grow to prevent girdling
- Place trellises where they will get strong support from walls, fences, or posts
Properly supported plants will reward you with healthier growth, higher yields, and abundant beauty in your garden spaces.
Materials for Plant Stakes and Trellises
When selecting materials for plant stakes and trellises, key factors to consider are durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. The three most commonly used materials are wood, metal, and plastic.
Wooden Stakes and Trellises
Wood is a traditional material for plant supports. It has some advantages:
- Natural appearance blends into garden beds
- Can be painted or stained for decorative effects
- Softer surface won't damage plants if they rub against it
Woodalso has some downsides to be aware of:
- Can rot, splinter and warp over time with exposure to elements
- Not as sturdy or long-lasting as metal options
- Requires more maintenance and occasional replacement
Cedar and redwood are good rot-resistant woods. Avoid treated lumber as it may leach chemicals. Use exterior grade woods for best weather resistance.
Metal Stakes and Trellises
Metal is extra strong and durable for plant supports:
- Wrought iron - Attractive and decorative but expensive
- Aluminum - Resists rusting and is lightweight
- Steel - Very sturdy but can rust if not galvanized
Metal stakes should have rounded or padded tops to avoid injuring plants. Look for powder-coated or weather-resistant metals to limit rusting. Avoid sharp edges.
Plastic Stakes and Trellises
Plastic and resin stakes are a lower maintenance option:
- Won't rot, splinter or rust
- Lasts many seasons with no repairs needed
- Affordable and easy to find
On the downside, plastic lacks the charm of natural materials and can look out of place in some gardens. Avoid thin flimsy plastic prone to breaking.
Other Materials to Consider
Some other materials used for stakes and trellises include:
- Bamboo - Naturally decay resistant and biodegradable
- Reclaimed composites - Made from recycled wood and plastic
- Twine or jute - For lightweight climbing structures
Think about the needs of your specific situation when choosing materials. Select option that offer the right blend of strength, longevity, and visual appeal.
Choosing the Right Support Structures for Plants
Choosing suitable support structures is important for keeping plants healthy and promoting proper growth. Consider the plant's growth habits and structural needs when selecting stakes, cages, or trellises.
Support for Individual Stems
Plants with a single main stem or stalk benefit from individual stakes. Some examples:
- Newly planted trees and shrubs
- Top-heavy flowers like gladiolus, lilies, and dahlias
- Fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants
Choose stake height based on the plant's mature height. Allow 6-12 inches extra above expected growth. Sturdy bamboo, wood, or metal single stakes work best.
Cages for Bushy Growth
Bushy, spreading plants need cage supports to contain growth. Benefits include:
- Keeps plant compact and tidy
- Allows air circulation
- Prevents flopping and damage to stems
Tomatoes are the classic example, but other plants like chrysanthemums, zinnias, and hydrangeas do well with cages too.
Trellises for Climbers
Trellises are ideal for vining and climbing plants, encouraging upward growth. Consider:
- Pole beans, cucumbers, and peas grow well on tepee trellises
- Clematis and roses suit decorative obelisk or fan trellises
- Grapes and kiwi fruit need strong crossbar trellises
Match trellis size and capacity to the plant's mature size and growth rate.
Other Considerations
Also factor in:
- Local climate conditions like wind, rain, and snow load
- Placement for optimal light exposure
- Aesthetics to complement gardens and architecture
With proper plant support structures, your garden will stay beautiful while plants remain healthy and productive.
Setting Up Stakes and Trellises Properly
To maximize the benefits of plant supports, proper set up of stakes and trellises is important. Follow some key guidelines for best results.
Staking Basics
- Insert stakes 12-18 inches into ground for adequate anchoring based on height.
- Avoid penetrating root balls of newly planted specimens.
- Angle stakes to provide support and account for prevailing winds.
- Tie stems loosely to stakes using twist ties, garden tape, or special plant ties.
- Allow some wiggle room for ties and do not bind too tightly.
Trellis Installation Tips
- Install trellises along a wall, fence, or post for additional support if freestanding.
- Anchor trellises well into ground or use trellis anchor spikes.
- Angle obelisk trellises slightly so vines spiral as they grow.
- Allow at least 12 inches between trellis and wall for air circulation.
- Match trellis height and capacity to mature plant size.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regularly check supports and make adjustments as needed:
- Check ties during growing season and loosen to prevent girdling as plants grow.
- Add secondary support strings on trellises as vines lengthen.
- Reinforce stakes and trellises after storms to keep plants supported.
- Monitor materials for signs of weathering, rust, or rot.
Location Considerations
Also factor in placement when setting up supports:
- Face trellises to the sun for maximum light exposure.
- Stake tall flowers on exposed sites or open to winds.
- Angle supports to direct growth away from paths or structures.
Taking time to properly install and maintain plant stakes and trellises reduces frustration and results in healthy, beautiful plants.
The Benefits of Using Plant Stakes and Trellises
Providing structural support with stakes and trellises offers valuable benefits that help plants thrive. From preventing damage to improving aesthetics, they are useful tools for any gardener.
Preventing Damage
Well-supported plants are less likely to be damaged. Some examples:
- Staking keeps top-heavy flower spikes like gladiolus from flopping over in rain or wind.
- Caging bushy zinnias provides stem support and prevents legginess.
- Trellising cucumbers upholds the heavy fruits so vines don't break.
Stakes also help anchor newly planted trees while their roots establish, preventing damage from winds. Supported plants don’t have to waste energy reinforcing stems.
Encouraging Healthy Growth
Stakes and trellises promote better plant development. Benefits include:
- Directing growth upwards results in taller, stronger plants.
- Allowing air circulation reduces fungal diseases.
- Elevating fruits like tomatoes off wet ground prevents rot.
Properly supported plants put more resources into buds, flowers and fruits instead of structural stems and branches.
Improving Appearance
Supports can vastly improve visual appeal:
- Highlight architectural plants like cordyline by staking upright.
- Create living walls with trellised vines on fences.
- Guide climbing roses into beautiful shapes on obelisks.
Imaginative use of supports turns gardens into fascinating canvases bursting with color and textures.
Supporting Success
In the end, properly installing stakes, cages and trellises saves time by reducing maintenance while helping plants succeed. This results in bountiful vegetable harvests, stunning flower displays, and beautiful garden spaces.
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The Benefits of Amazon Prime for Buying Plant Support Structures
For gardeners looking to purchase stakes, cages, trellises and other plant support structures, being an Amazon Prime member provides some nice perks and advantages.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the biggest Prime benefits is free two-day shipping on eligible items. This allows you to get your plant supports quickly without paying extra shipping fees. Once you've decided on the perfect obelisk trellis or tomato cage, have it delivered right to your door in just two days.
Free One-Day Shipping
Amazon Prime also offers free one-day shipping on over 10 million items. For urgent situations where you discover a plant needs support ASAP, you can obtain a stake or trellis overnight.
Free Release-Date Delivery
Don't wait - get upcoming releases of new plant support products delivered on their actual release date at no extra charge with Prime.
Try Before You Buy
The Prime Wardrobe feature allows Prime subscribers to try plant supports like trellises before purchasing. Have items shipped to your home, see if they meet your needs, then only pay for what you keep.
Access to Lightning Deals
Take advantage of special limited-time Lightning Deals for plant supports open only to Prime members. Snag stakes, tomato cages and more at discounted prices.
With the quick free shipping and other Prime benefits, you can get the right support structures effortlessly to help your plants thrive.
Sign Up for a Free Prime Trial
Try out Prime and experience the conveniences yourself with a free 30-day trial. It's easy to cancel anytime.
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