If you garden in a low-wind situation, your tall plants probably won’t need staking. However, my big, bold garden is out in the open prairie, so staking is often a necessity. Here are some of the things I’ve learned from experience. See our favorite picks for big, bold plants.

Go big from the start

There’s nothing more frustrating than having the wind take down a newly staked plant. Go bigger than you first think, and try to anticipate the final size that will be needed. You don’t want to be adding a new stake each month as the plant grows.

Rebar is an excellent option

I’ve used a variety of staking materials over the years based on what I could find or afford: wood, bamboo, metal conduit, and the green plastic-coated ones. The staking I would choose over all is rebar, the steel bar used to reinforce concrete. You can get whatever size you need, and it lasts forever. Plus, the dark rusty color blends into the background, so your stake isn’t the star of your garden.

Use sisal or jute twine for tying

Like rebar, these natural materials disappear into the background. I adjust the size of twine according to the weight and strength of the plant I am staking. I have tried the plastic ­tying tape, but it stretches and soon becomes ineffective. Leave the plants with a little give or lean; that looks more natural than a perfectly erect plant. As the plant grows, check to make sure that your tie is not girdling the stem. This is something I forget to do every darn time.

Irvin Etienne is curator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design at Newfields in Indianapolis.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Rain Bird PATIOKIT Drip Irrigation Patio Watering Kit

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Complete 42-piece drip irrigation kit eliminates watering by hand
- Provides drip irrigation for up to 6 planters
- Easy to assemble: just attach to faucet, cut tubing and connect watering devices
- Attaches easily to your outdoor faucet or hose

Buy at Amazon

Fiskars 7.9-12ft Extendable 2-in-1 Pole Tree Trimmer & Pruner with Rotating Head and Precision-Ground Steel Saw Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

IDEAL BRANCH TRIMMER: Tree pruner that extends from 7.9 to 12 feet; Lightweight aluminum pole weighing less than five pounds to help minimize fatigue; Ideal for cutting high branches, or making low cuts without bending or kneeling. MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Fiskars Tree Pruner with Low-friction coating helps to prevent gumming up with sap or debris; Chain-drive gearing mechanism that provides 3X more power; Secure double locking system ensures extended pole stays put. LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Extendable tree pruner with steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning saws for tree trimming are built to last. QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: From tree pruners to garden shears to Tree Loppers, Fiskars garden and yard tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars Extendable Tree Pruner with 15-Inch Double-Grind Saw (item 92406935K); Full lifetime warranty.

Buy at Amazon

3 Pack 4.1Inch Bonsai Pruning Scissors

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Packing: 3pcs. Trim small stems and light branches, buds, and leaves. Small and lightweight bonsai tool. Sharp blade makes cutting easier. The sharp blade makes trimming easier, springs back to open by itself.

Buy at Amazon