Help your tomato plants stand tall: Staking and pruning homegrown tomato plants

The single-stake system

The single-stake method is mainly used for determinate varieties; indeterminate or more vigorous types often need stronger support.

• Choose your stake: Use wood, plastic or metal. T-posts are the most durable.
• Place the stake: Insert 1 or 2 inches from the plant's base, 6 to 12 inches deep depending on soil type.
• Wait until the plant is 10 to 12 inches tall to begin tying.
• Use soft ties: Garden twine, fabric strips or even pantyhose work well.
• Tie the plant every 8 inches up the main stem for support.

The double-stake system

Use the double-stake method for extra support compared to single-staking.

• Place two stakes on opposite sides of the tomato plant.
• Begin tying the plant to both stakes as it grows using soft ties.
• Maintain spacing between plants to allow for airflow and easy harvesting.

The cage system

Store-bought wire cones work for patio or determinate tomatoes in a cage system, but larger, vigorous plants may need sturdier cages.

• For strong cages, build your own using:

· Galvanized livestock fencing with 4-to-6-inch woven squares
· Concrete reinforcement wire with heavy-gauge mesh
· Wood (square, triangle or trellis design)

• Make cages at least 3 feet in diameter to allow room for plant growth.
• Ensure easy harvest access with large openings in the material.
• Secure the cage to the ground using small stakes or landscape staples, especially for top-heavy plants.
• Place the cage around your plant early, before significant growth, to avoid damaging the stems or fruit.

The Florida weave system

The Florida weave method gives tomato plants the support they need using only stakes and durable string. Use secure stakes - metal T-posts are preferred again for this method.

• Plant tomatoes in a straight row, spacing them appropriately.
• Insert stakes by inserting:

· One at the end of the row
· One for every third or fourth plant

• Tie a durable string to an end post, 1 or 2 inches above the ground.
• Weave string in and out between plants, looping around each middle post for added support.
• Tie off at the opposite end post to secure the row.
• Repeat the weaving process:

· Add new levels of string every few inches vertically
· Alternate sides of the plant with each new level

• Continue weaving as plants grow, keeping them upright between the woven strings.