Glossary
What is a plant support?
Definition of plant support: its purpose, materials (bamboo, steel), and when to place it in the garden.
A plant support is a vertical support —bamboo, cane, steel, or another rigid material— that guides growth and prevents the stem or fruits from breaking due to wind, watering, or their own weight.
Purpose
It keeps the plant upright, improves sunlight exposure, and allows air to circulate between leaves. This reduces fungi and facilitates pruning and harvesting. In the garden and orchard, it is as essential as watering.
Common materials
Bamboo is lightweight, economical, and sufficient for one season. Steel lasts longer. Choose according to the crop in the bamboo vs steel comparison or go directly to the supports catalog.
How to place it
Bury it when transplanting, never when the plant is already leaning. The tie should allow the stem to thicken. For tomatoes, follow how to support tomatoes step by step.