How Can I Hold Up My Tomato Plant

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable in most gardens. However, as they start to grow, tomato plants tend to become heavy due to their weighty bunches of fruit, which can cause the branches to droop and/or break. Supporting these plants is crucial, as it helps to keep the fruit off the soil, supported and protected as it grows. Here are some practical and innovative ways to hold up your tomato plant:

Staking

Staking is one of the most common ways to provide support to tomato plants. Using a stake, string, or wooden dowel, tie up each tomato plant to the supporting structure. Wooden stakes also help in preventing the plant from twisting, as they tend to settle firmly into the ground.

To use a stake, drive it into the ground 6-8 inches from the base of the plant. Secure the stem of the tomato plant to the stake using a loose knot or twist ties. Tie up the plant again every 8-10 inches as it continues to grow, taking care not to tie too tightly so as not to harm the plant.

Cages

Tomato cages can be made from wire or bought from a garden store. They offer excellent support to the plants, some more durable cages can hold up heavy and overladen branches. Place your cages around your tomato plants once they have been planted to avoid damaging the roots or the root ball.

Secure the plants as they grow by threading each branch of the plant into the cage opening. Use twist ties to secure any branch or stem that refuses to stay put within the supporting structure of the cage.

Netting

Tomato netting can be an affordable option to hold up your tomato plants. It’s usually made from organic material like jute or nylon. Place the netting above the plant as vertical support, and allow the tomato plant to grow up through the holes of the netting.

This support will not only keep your tomato plants in the right position, but it's also an excellent way to make the harvesting process smooth and quick.

Using Troughs

Tomato troughs can be another innovative way to hold up your tomato plant. These are elongated containers that come with trellis attachments, meaning you do not need additional support materials. Troughs are ideal for porch or balcony gardening and provide excellent conservatory support.

When using a trough, fill it with rich and well-draining soil. Then plant your tomato plants and guide the upward growth onto the trellis overhead to support your plants all season long.

Conclusion

There you have it; four easy and innovative ways to hold up your tomato plant. Don’t forget, to maintain healthy plants, it’s vital to choose the right support structure for your situation. Whether you choose staking, cages, netting, or troughs, your tomatoes will thank you!