Plant stakes are indispensable in the garden, because they can be used to attach decorative and useful plants. In addition, these aids serve as climbing aids for many high-growing vegetable plants and flowers. Plant sticks are available in many different shapes and sizes, so you can choose the right model for every plant. In this guide we will tell you which plant stakes are best suited for which plant and what else you should pay attention to when buying.
Tomatoes and many other plants need support to grow
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Windhager plant stick coconut, trellis trellis support flower stick coconut stick, for decoration, made of natural coconut fibre, extendable, 110 cm, 05663
16.46 EUR To the product| material | coconut fibers, wood |
|---|---|
| height | 90 centimeters plus 20 centimeters of wood (other sizes available) |
| diameter | about 5 centimeters |
| application | for indoor plants |
| particularities | can be extended by inserting several rods into one another |
| crowd | 1 |
| price/piece | approx. EUR {PRICE/1} |
This plant stake is the right climbing aid for climbing indoor plants such as monstera or ivy. The model consists of a wooden tip that is either inserted directly into the substrate or, to extend it, into another (hollow) plant stake. Natural, soft coconut fiber is used as the material, as this does not affect the leaves and shoots and the plants do not snap off. Basically, the users are very satisfied with the product in their Amazon reviews, but they complain that even indoor plants that develop tendrils or aerial roots cannot hold on to the firmly pressed and wax-like coated material and therefore have to be tied down.
our recommendation
Sekey Plant Stakes Garden Plant Support when plants grow, plastic-coated steel tube 8mm diameter. 60 cm long pack of 10
15.99 EUR To the product| material | steel tube coated with plastic |
|---|---|
| height | 60 centimeters (other sizes available) |
| diameter | approx. 8 or 11 millimeters (depending on the size chosen) |
| application | for all garden plants, e.g. B. tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and climbing plants |
| particularities | ribbed surface, anti-rust and durable |
| crowd | 10 |
| price/piece | approx. EUR {PRICE/10} |
Primarily intended for use on garden plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers and other species that require support, this product is made of rust-resistant steel covered in green plastic. The corrugated surface ensures that the plants can be attached to the plant stake using cable ties or plant clamps without the attachment aid slipping. One end of the stick is sharpened to make it easier to stick into the ground. This durable plant stake is preferable to wooden or bamboo models because it can be used over and over again for many years. The product is available in different lengths (90, 120 and 145 centimetres).
our recommendation
ARTECSIS pack of 10 spiral rods 170cm plant rods trellis tomato rods made of galvanized metal, climbing aid for tomato plants shrubs
To the product| material | galvanized stainless steel |
|---|---|
| height | 170 centimeters (other sizes available) |
| diameter | 5 millimeters |
| application | for garden plants |
| particularities | rustproof and durable |
| crowd | 10 pieces |
| price/piece | approx. EUR {PRICE/10} |
Spiral rods are ideal for attaching tall tomato plants to them. That is why these sticks are also called tomato sticks. The spiral shape allows both the plants and attachment materials such as plant ties, clips or wire to have a good and stable hold. The tomato sticks (which are of course also suitable for other climbing plants) are perfect for use in the garden or in tubs due to their metallic nature. They are rust and weather resistant so you can use them for many years.
Purchase Criteria
purpose of use
Before you simply order any plant sticks, you should first think carefully about which models are best suited for the desired purpose. So-called moss sticks or coconut sticks, for example, are specially designed for creeping or climbing indoor plants and are not suitable for use in the garden. For this you should use products made of more robust materials that are specially classified as tomato sticks or climbing aids for roses. This is the only way to ensure that the plant stake fulfills its task to your satisfaction.
material
Plant stakes can be made of metal, plastic, wood or bamboo. The materials mentioned have specific advantages and disadvantages, which we will briefly discuss here.
wood or bamboo: There is no question: wooden or bamboo sticks are sustainable, as the material constantly grows back and is - if untreated - even compostable. However, wooden plant stakes quickly start to mold when they come into contact with moisture and soil, which on the one hand affects your health and that of the plants - and on the other hand greatly reduces the lifespan of the product. In the worst case, the plant loses its support.
metal: Metal rods are much more durable if they are made of stainless steel. These are resistant to all weather conditions and moisture and can be used for many years. Galvanized products are particularly durable. However, you should be careful with plant stakes made of iron, copper or aluminum: These corrode quickly and are then unusable. Plant sticks made of metal, which are coated with plastic, are also well suited.
plastic: Plastic rods have also proven to be robust and durable - as long as they are UV-stable. Many types of plastic react to UV light, become porous, brittle and therefore unusable as a support. In addition, plastic is not very suitable for ecological reasons, since the material consumes valuable resources during production and also does not decompose.
nature
Smooth plant stakes harbor the risk that the plants or the fastening materials will not be able to hold on to them and will simply slip off. Therefore, when buying, make sure that the surface has been ribbed or otherwise made non-slip. So-called spiral rods are also good for fixing, especially tomatoes and other crops. In addition, the sticks should be sharpened at one end so that it can be driven into the ground more easily.
length
The rule of thumb is: Always buy plant stakes that are the right length for the plant! This means that you should purchase an appropriate stick for a vine tomato that grows about two meters high - on the other hand, it becomes difficult when the growth of the plant has reached the end of the stick and can no longer be fixed. Some models can be extended, for example with a telescopic solution or because you can plug several rods into each other.
diameter
Not only the length, but also the diameter of the plant sticks is a relevant purchase criterion. Plant sticks for outdoor use should be rather thin, but not so thin that they lose stability. It is ideal if the material is about ten millimeters thick. A smaller thickness of between five and eight millimeters is sufficient for metal rods, as this material is naturally more robust. Coconut or moss sticks for indoor plants, on the other hand, should be as thick as possible.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What do you need plant sticks for?
Plant stakes are climbing aids for indoor and garden plants that are tall or fragile in their stand, which are supported in this way and should be protected from twisting. Typically, these sticks are used for tomatoes, but also for other vegetable plants, for berry and fruit trees, for roses, etc.
How do you use plant sticks correctly?
When planting the young plant, the plant stake is dug or inserted into the ground or the pot. The rod must be close to the plant - and without damaging the roots! - stand and be deep enough in the ground to allow him to stand securely and upright. Very tall plant stakes can be kept straight by attaching a thread to a beam or similar hanging above. For this reason, tomato sticks in particular often have a small hole at the top. The plant is tied to the stick at regular intervals with string, a clip or a piece of wire.
Which well-known manufacturers produce high-quality plant stakes?
There are high-quality plant sticks, e.g. by Eugen Weis GmbH & Co. KG, which primarily manufactures and sells products and accessories for the cultivation of grapevines. However, their plant stakes can also be used for other garden purposes. Ortinger Holzwarenfabrikation, on the other hand, offers high-quality wooden plant stakes. In addition, there are many suppliers who offer good quality plant stakes.
What do plant sticks cost?
It doesn't matter whether you buy the plant stakes in a hardware store or online: This product usually costs no more than a few euros per piece. If you buy larger quantities - after all, you often need more than just a plant stake in the garden - you can even benefit from a quantity discount if the dealer offers a corresponding package.
Are there also beautiful plant stakes that are a bit more decorative?
Normal plant sticks are rather unadorned. If, on the other hand, you value another decorative element, then we recommend wrought iron bars. These are slightly more expensive than the typical wooden or metal plant stakes, but are often beautifully decorated.
equipment
mounting options
our recommendation
Dehner plant binding set with binding wire, plant ties and different sized plant clips
4.99 EUR To the productOf course, the plant does not hold onto the plant stake by itself, but must be attached to it. There are various options for this, for example using cable ties, wire or special clips.