Looking after
How to stake plants
A cane or stake put in at planting time, with soft ties in a loose figure of eight as the plant grows.
Push a stout stake in beside the stem, on the windy side.
Tie with soft twine in a loose figure of eight.
Firm the soil round the stem with your heel.
When to do it
It depends on the crop. Tap one for the dates where you live.
TomatoEvery 2 weeks as it growsDates for your area
ChilliWhen it starts to carry fruitDates for your area
Sweet pepperWhen it starts to carry fruitDates for your area
CucumberWeekly as it climbsDates for your area
Runner beanHelp the first stems round their canesDates for your area
French beanClimbing kinds on canes; dwarf kinds with twiggy sticksDates for your area
Broad beanString round the row at 30 cmDates for your area
PeaTwiggy sticks or netting when 5 cm tallDates for your area
Brussels sproutBefore autumn windsDates for your area
RaspberryPosts and wires at plantingDates for your area
More how-tos: looking after
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