Tomatoes are a popular crop for home gardeners, and proper trellising is key to ensuring healthy, productive plants. Trellising provides support, keeps the plants off the ground, promotes good air circulation, and makes it easier to access the fruit. In this article, we’ll explore three different methods for trellising your tomato plants. Let’s dive in!
The Versatile Tomato Cages
One popular option for trellising tomatoes is using tomato cages. These cages are readily available at hardware or garden stores and come in various sizes and colors. While they may be more expensive than other methods, tomato cages offer several advantages.
Pros:
- Neat appearance and colorful cages can enhance the visual appeal of your garden.
- They are easy to use, requiring no additional setup.
Cons:
- Compared to other methods, tomato cages may not provide enough support, especially for young plants that can flop inside the cages, resulting in weak or broken stems.
- Regular upkeep is required, as stems may grow in the wrong direction, necessitating adjustments that can potentially cause breakage.
- They may not be large enough to support tall tomato plants, especially indeterminate varieties.
The Reliable Single Post
Another effective trellising method is using a single post. This system offers simplicity and reliability for tomato growers. As the plant grows, you can use materials like string, tomato tape, or plant clips to attach the main stem to the post, keeping it upright and supported. Here are a few considerations when using this method:
- Select a post that can bear the weight of the mature plant. While bamboo posts are lightweight, heavier duty materials like steel t-posts or hard plastic garden posts are better suited for supporting larger tomato plants.
- Choose a post with the appropriate height. Determinate tomatoes typically reach a maximum height of 4-5 feet, while indeterminate varieties continue to grow taller throughout the season. For indeterminate tomatoes, opt for the tallest posts available.
- If you plan to reuse the posts, opt for materials that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. Wooden posts are not ideal for disease management, as they can harbor pathogens over time. Smooth surfaces that can be washed are preferable.
The Efficient Basketweave System
For avid tomato growers, the basketweave system, sometimes known as the Florida weave, offers an excellent alternative to individually supporting each plant. This method is especially useful when growing a large number of tomato plants. Here’s how it works:
- Set strong posts (such as steel t-posts or wooden trellis systems) into the ground between every 3-5 plants.
- Rather than attaching the plants directly to the posts, tie a string to each post and weave it through the plants.
- As the plants grow, add more strings, switching sides with each layer. Remember to use posts that are tall enough to accommodate the desired height of your plants.
Pros:
- This system can support multiple tomatoes, making it a cost-effective option that requires less infrastructure and equipment.
- If you fall behind on trellising, the basketweave system allows for flexible support and easier catching up.
Cons:
- The basketweave system is most effective for tomatoes grown in a straight row, as it relies on a consistent placement of posts and strings.
To learn more about the basketweave system, you can watch this tutorial video from Louisiana State University: How to Florida Weave Tomatoes.
By choosing the right trellising method for your tomato plants, you can ensure optimal support and growth. Whether you opt for tomato cages, single posts, or the basketweave system, providing a trellis for your tomatoes will contribute to stronger stems, disease prevention, and easier fruit access. Happy trellising!
