Every plant needs a friend to lean on, either because it has very tall-growing flower stems or many stems that tend to flop over as they grow. Several types of stakes can be used to support plants of all sizes:
- A Y-stake is made of aluminum, with flexible metal "ears," or extensions, that bend around the plant to support it and hold it in place.
- A metal stake with a daisy-pattern frame on top allows plants to grow up through the loops of the "petals," which keeps plants upright.
- A circular grid made of plastic-coated metal features square openings that support a plant as it grows through the grid. The grid is upheld by detachable legs.
- Garden prunings (from anything with numerous branches, such as fruit trees) are great for small pea plants. Simply twine the plants around the stakes to create living trellises.
- The traditional tomato cage is ideal for large plants that need to be fully encompassed.
With all these choices in plant supports, the only thing you need to remember is to match the support to the plant--whether it's tall-growing or low-woody.
With a gentle arm around them, your plants will thank you.
Guests Kathleen Brenzel
Senior Editor,
Sunset Magazine
80 Willow Rd.
Menlo Park, CA 94025-3591
Phone: 650-321-3600
Toll-free: 800-227-7346
Fax: 650-327-7537
Website:
www.sunsetmagazine.com
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