______ in "Gardening" is done to provide support for plant stems.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Staking
Explanation:
Staking is the gardening practice of driving a stick or metal rod into the ground next to a plant to provide support for its stem. This is particularly important for tall or heavy plants (like tomatoes) to prevent them from bending or breaking under their own weight or wind.
Information Booster:
● Structural Support: Staking keeps plants upright, ensuring they receive maximum sunlight and air circulation.
● Disease Prevention: Keeping foliage off the ground through staking reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests.
● Space Optimization: Vertical growth encouraged by staking allows gardeners to grow more plants in a smaller area.
● Materials Used: Bamboo, wooden stakes, or plastic-coated metal are common materials for providing support.
● Growth Management: It is best done during the early stages of growth to avoid damaging the root system later.
Additional Points:
● Option (b): Incorrect term – Culling refers to removing inferior or sick plants from a group to improve the overall quality.
● Option (c): Incorrect term – Deadheading is the removal of faded or dead flowers to encourage further blooming.
● Option (d): Nutritional process – Fertilizing is the application of nutrients to the soil to promote plant health and growth.

So the correct answer is (a)