[Tomato Dirt] 4 Ways to Stake Tomatoes

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[Tomato Dirt] 4 Ways to Stake Tomatoes
May 28, 2014

Tomato Dirt Newsletter
Volume 4, Number 10

Dear Tomato Dirt reader,

Welcome back to Tomato Dirt! Once or twice a month, we’ll send you this newsletter packed with tips about growing tomatoes and using them.

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Feature: 4 Ways to Stake Tomatoes

Image: Bridget Morningstar

Staking tomatoes takes a little bit of work. But it has distinct advantages that help you have a healthier, bigger crop. Plus, some types of tomato staking are taken care of once, early in the season – and then you’re done.

Check out 4 ways to stake your tomato plants to get bigger fruit, earlier fruit, healthier fruit, better air circulation … and more space in your garden.

Tomato stakes: posts or poles inserted next to tomato plant to which branches are tied for support.
Tomato cages: pre-made or formed wire mesh cylinders that encircle and support tomato plants. Check out different tomato cages to find the right ones for you and your garden: stackable Tomato Cages from Gardener's Supply and Burpee’s popular XL Pro Series Tomato Cage.
Tomato trellises: wires or rope dropped from a line between posts which provide support.
Tomato Spirals : heavy gauge steel wire that provides support through an upward twisted coil. Gardener's Supply offers reasonable, sturdy, and colorful tomato spirals .

Find out more advantages and tips about staking tomatoes so you can have healthy, productive tomatoes all season long.

And check out how other gardeners stake tomatoes on our Staking Tomatoes Pinterest board.

Avoid This Big Mistake When Staking Tomatoes

If you wait to stake tomatoes until they need it (several weeks into the season), you will damage the root system as you press stakes, cages, ladders, trellising, or poles into the soil. Stake tomatoes soon after setting them out in the garden.

Learn about other mistakes to avoid when planting your tomatoes so you can get your crop off to a good start this season.