| GOOD EVENING: I AM NOT SURE HOW TO STAKE A PLANT, EX. YARROW. WHAT KIND OF ROPE/TWINE DO I USE, HOW TIGHT SHOULD IT BE TO THE STAKE? THIS QUESION GOES FOR LONG STEMMED BULBS AS WELL. THANK YOU! |
| Yarrow has a naturally unkempt growth habit, with stems and branches flowing from the crown of the plant. To make it grow more upright, just push a stake into the ground a few inches away from the crown of the plant. You can use bamboo or metal stakes. I use willow branches because they are readily available to me. After pushing the stake into the soil, hold the stem of the plant upright and gently tie it with soft twine or some of the green plastic ribbon you'll find in garden centers. The trick is to tie loosely enough to allow growth of the stem, but snug enough to keep it in place. Too tight and you'll girdle the stem and cut off circulation. Too loose and the stem will flop. Only experience will help you to know just how loose or tight to make the tie. If you know a plant will need staking, you can place a stake into the ground when you plant it (this goes for bulbs, as well). Then the stake will be ready and waiting when you need it. Best wishes with your garden! |
