How to support tall and climbing plants
Put supports in early, while plants are small. Adding them later damages roots and branches.
Stakes
Push a sturdy stake 6–12 inches into the ground a few inches from the stem. Tie the stem to it loosely with soft ties (cloth strips or garden twine) in a figure 8, so the tie can't cut in. Add a tie every foot as it grows.
Cages
Set a wire cage over the young plant and push the legs well into the soil. As it grows, tuck branches back inside.
Trellis or netting
Set it up when you plant, along the back of the garden so it won't shade shorter plants. Guide the first tendrils or vines onto it; they climb on their own after that.
Avoid
- ✕ Tying with wire or thin string, or tying tightly.
- ✕ Waiting until plants have flopped over.
Based on standard guidance from U.S. university extension services, including Cornell, the University of Minnesota and Oregon State.