Tomato plants can get very heavy when loaded with ripening fruit. Without proper support, their branches may bend, break, or even touch the ground increasing the risk of diseases and pests.
Below are some tips on how to stake tomatoes and how to use tomato cages to prevent these issues and encourage better air circulation.
After each section of tips are some fun garden layouts using stakes and cages to creatively display your different varieties of tomatoes.
Using Stakes and Cages to Support Growing Tomato Plants
Using Stakes
Staking tomatoes is especially useful for determinate tomato varieties that tend to have a more compact growth habit.
Choosing Stakes:
• Select sturdy stakes that are at least 6 feet tall. Wooden or metal stakes work well. You can also use materials like bamboo poles or PVC pipes.
• The diameter of the stakes should be thick enough to provide support without bending or breaking under the weight of the plants.
Placement of Stakes:
• Drive the stakes into the ground at the time of planting, placing them about 1 to 2 feet deep and 2 to 3 feet apart in rows.
• Place the stakes on the side of the plant where the prevailing wind comes from. This helps prevent the plant from leaning too much due to wind pressure.
Staking When Planting:
• When planting the tomato seedlings, place them about 4 to 6 inches away from the stakes. This ensures that the plants have enough room to grow while still being close enough to tie them to the stakes later.
How to Stake Tomatoes Using Ties, Twine, or Cloth:
• As the tomato plants grow, use soft plant ties, twine, or cloth to loosely tie the main stem of each plant to its stake.
• Start tying the plant to the stake when it's still relatively young and not too tall. This prevents the stem from bending or breaking as it grows.
Regular Tying and Pruning:
• Continuously tie the main stem to the stake as the plant grows taller. Use a figure-eight pattern to secure the stem to the stake, allowing for some flexibility.
• Monitor the plant for side shoots (suckers) that emerge in the leaf axils. Pinch or prune these suckers to focus the plant's energy on fruit production and maintain a more manageable shape.
How to Stake Tomatoes with Multiple Branches:
• As the tomato plant grows, it might develop multiple branches laden with fruit.
• Use additional ties to gently secure these branches to the stake to prevent them from bending under the weight.
Maintenance:
• Regularly check the ties to ensure they are not too tight. Loosen or adjust them if needed to prevent girdling or damaging the stem.
• If your plants are particularly vigorous, you might need to adjust or reinforce the ties more frequently.
• Create an eye-catching spiral garden by arranging your tomato plants in a circular pattern.
• Place a tall central stake in the center of the circle. As the tomatoes grow, gently guide their branches to wind around the central stake in a spiral fashion.
• This layout not only maximizes sunlight exposure but also serves as a visually appealing focal point in your garden.
• Construct a pyramid-shaped trellis using three or four stakes of decreasing length.
• Place the longest stake in the center and the shorter stakes around it, forming a pyramid structure. Train the tomato plants to climb the stakes, with each stake representing a different tier of the pyramid.
• This layout adds vertical interest and makes the most of limited space.
• Attach several tall stakes to a sturdy fence or support structure, arranging them in a fan-like shape.
• As the tomato plants grow, secure their branches to the stakes, creating a fan-like arrangement.
• This layout creates a beautiful visual effect and allows each plant to receive sunlight evenly. It's also a great space-saving solution for small gardens.
• Create an enchanting entrance to your garden by forming an archway using two tall stakes and an arched structure on top.
• Train your tomato plants to grow up the stakes and over the archway, forming a shaded, tunnel-like pathway.
• This layout not only supports your tomatoes but also adds a touch of whimsy and charm to your garden.
• For a unique twist, hang your tomato plants using stakes and overhead lines.
• Drive tall stakes into the ground along a path or designated area. Attach strong lines or wires horizontally between the stakes at different heights. Suspend the tomato plants using soft ties or containers, allowing them to grow vertically.
• This layout is ideal for gardens with limited ground space and can create a stunning visual display.
How to Use Tomato Cages to Support Growing Tomato Plants
Supporting the Entire Plant:
Cages are also especially suitable for determinate tomato varieties, which tend to have a more compact and bushy growth habit. Cages provide support for the entire plant and its fruit-laden branches.
Choosing the Right Cage:
• Select a cage that is sturdy and durable. Metal cages are often preferred because they provide strong support and can withstand the weight of growing plants and fruit.
• Consider the size of the cage. It should be tall enough to support the expected height of your tomato plants. If you're growing indeterminate (vining) tomatoes, which can grow quite tall, choose a cage that is at least 4 to 5 feet in height.
Transplanting With Tomato Cages:
• Place the cage around the tomato plant when you're transplanting it into the garden. Gently insert the legs or stakes of the cage into the soil.
• Angle the cage slightly into the soil to ensure stability. This prevents it from falling over due to the weight of the plant and fruit.
How to Use Tomato Cages with Growing Plants:
• Ensure that the main stem of the tomato plant is centered within the cage. The stem should pass through the openings without being cramped or constricted.
• Gently guide the stem through the openings as the plant grows. Avoid forcing the plant through the cage, as this could damage the stem.
How to Use Tomato Cages as a Training Guide:
• As the tomato plant grows taller, guide the main stem through the openings of the cage. This helps keep the plant growing vertically and prevents it from sprawling on the ground.
• Use the openings of the cage as a guide for training the stem. Gently weave the stem through the openings, providing support and preventing it from bending or breaking.
How to Use Tomato Cages for Heavy Branches:
• As the tomato plant continues to grow, you might notice that the stem and branches can become heavy with foliage and fruit. Use soft plant ties, twine, or strips of cloth to gently secure the stem and branches to the cage.
• Tie loosely to avoid constricting the stem's growth while providing the necessary support. Avoid using materials that could cut into the stem or cause damage.
Maintaining Plant Growth within Cages:
• Regularly inspect the tomato plant's growth within the cage. Check for any branches that have outgrown their designated space within the cage and gently guide them back into position.
• Adjust any ties that have become too tight as the plant thickens. The goal is to ensure that the plant is growing vertically within the cage without any bending or leaning.
Tiered
• Create a cascading effect by placing tomato cages of varying heights in a stepped formation.
• Start with the tallest cage at the back and gradually decrease the height as you move forward.
• This layout not only adds depth to your garden but also ensures that all your tomato plants receive adequate sunlight.
• Position your tomato cages in a zigzag pattern along a garden pathway or walkway.
• As the tomato plants grow within the cages, they'll form a lush border that guides visitors through your garden.
• This layout not only defines the path but also creates a visually dynamic arrangement.
• Arrange a series of tomato cages in a circular formation, leaving an open space in the center.
• The open center can be a great spot for adding other companion plants or decorative elements.
• This circular design allows for efficient use of space while providing ample room for each plant to grow.
• Create an archway using two sturdy tomato cages positioned back-to-back.
• Secure the cages together at the top to form an obelisk shape.
• Train your tomato plants to grow up the sides of the arch, creating a beautiful and functional entrance to your garden space.
• Create a stunning vertical garden by attaching tomato cages to a sturdy wall or trellis structure.
• Position the tomato cages horizontally and secure them at various heights. Plant your tomato seedlings at the base of each cage, and as they grow, train their branches to climb the cages.
• This layout not only saves space but also adds a lush and vibrant display to your outdoor wall.
