Growing tomatoes is a rewarding experience for any gardener, but as these plants grow, they often require support to ensure they stay healthy, produce more fruit, and are less susceptible to disease. Supporting or training tomatoes can greatly improve air circulation, reduce pest problems, and make harvesting easier. Here are five effective ways to support or train your tomato plants, each with step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process.

1. Marking out

Materials required:

  • Sturdy stakes (at least 6 feet high and 1 inch in diameter)
  • Soft ribbons (fabric strips, twine or special plant tapes)

Steps:

  1. Install stakes early:  Install a stake about 4 to 6 inches from the base of the plant to avoid damaging the roots. Push it into the ground at least 12 inches deep for stability.
  2. Tie the plant:  As the tomato plant grows, carefully tie it to the stake at 20-30cm intervals. Make sure the ties are loose enough to avoid cutting into the plant as it grows.

2. Using tomato cages

Materials required:

  • Tomato cages (Choose sturdy, wide cages that can support the mature size of the plant)

Steps:

  1. Place the cage early:  Place the cage around the plant while it is still young and press the cage deep enough into the soil to be stable.
  2. Guide the plant:  Occasionally guide the branches through the cage openings as the plant grows, but most of the time the plant will grow to fill the cage on its own.

3. Trellis work

Materials required:

  • Grid system (can be made of wood, metal or sturdy cord)
  • Plant Binder

Steps:

  1. Install the trellis:  Set up the trellis system next to your tomato row. If you are using strings, attach them to a high support down to the base near each plant.
  2. Tie the plants:  As with staking, carefully tie the tomato plants to the trellis or strings, leaving enough room for growth and ensuring even support of the branches.

4. The Florida fabric

Materials required:

  • High stakes (placed between two plants)
  • Strong string or garden twine

Steps:

  1. Stake your row:  Place stakes at the end of each row of tomatoes and between every two plants.
  2. Weave the string:  Starting at one end, tie the string to the first stake about 10 inches up, weaving it in front of one plant and behind the next, pulling tight. When you reach the end of the row, make a loop around the last stake and weave back in the opposite pattern.

5. The String Method

Support the tomato plants with the string method

Materials required:

  • Overhead support (a frame or wire stretched between posts)
  • Strong garden twine or string

Steps:

  1. Secure String:  Tie a loose loop of string around the base of each plant.
  2. Attach to the ceiling support:  Run the other end of the cord up to the ceiling support and tie it in place, making sure it is tight and secure.
  3. Twist and pull:  As the plant grows, gently twist it around the string, which will support its weight as it climbs.

Additional tips

  • Choose the method that best suits your garden space and the variety of tomatoes you are growing. Some methods work better for determinate (bush) types, while others are suitable for indeterminate (vine) types.
  • Check and adjust fasteners and supports regularly as the plant grows to avoid damage.
  • Ensure good air circulation around the plants to minimize the risk of disease.

Supporting or training your tomatoes may seem like an extra step in the gardening process, but the benefits to plant health, fruit yield and ease of harvesting are worth the effort. Whether you choose stakes, cages, trellises, the Florida mesh or the twine method, your tomato plants will thrive with the extra support.