Certain top-heavy plants, like delphiniums, Asiatic lilies and peonies, tend to flop over just as their blossoms look their best. The Optica Plant Support System from Luster Leaf keeps flowering plants upright without getting in the picture itself. Although the best time to support plants is when they're young, the system also works on mature stems. Stake heights range from 24 to 36 inches, while rings adjust from 6 to 24 inches in diameter.
All components are interchangeable, which means supports can be customized for any plant.
Ten prepackaged combinations of stakes and rods are available. One essential is good soil drainage with no standing water, even after the heaviest rain. Be sure the location is sunny. Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, require direct sunlight four to five hours daily. Root vegetables, like carrots and beets, need five to six hours of sun.