How to Contain a Tomato Plant That Gets So Big

Tomato plants can grow up to 10 feet tall and take up a large amount of garden space. While it’s exciting to watch them grow and produce, it’s important to contain them to prevent damage to other plants and for easy harvesting. Here are some tips on how to contain a tomato plant that gets so big.

Choose The Right Type of Tomato

Choosing the right type of tomato can make a big difference in how much it grows and how easy it is to contain. Determinate tomatoes grow to a fixed size and are easier to manage, while indeterminate tomatoes will continue to grow and produce until the first frost.

Staking or Caging

Staking or caging your tomato plants helps keep them upright and contained. Stakes should be at least 6 feet tall and placed at the time of planting. Drive the stake into the ground 1 to 2 inches away from the plant and tie it loosely with twine or soft fabric. You can also use cages, which are made from concrete reinforcing wire. Cut a 5-foot-long piece of wire and form it into a cylinder. Place it over the tomato plant and push the wire firmly into the ground.

Pruning

Pruning your tomato plant can help to control its size and make harvesting easier. Remove the suckers or side shoots that grow between the main stem and branches when they are small. This encourages the plant to grow upwards and use its energy to produce fruit. You can also remove the lower leaves to increase airflow and prevent disease.

Pinching

Pinching is another technique that can be used to control the growth of your tomato plant. This involves pinching off the growing tip or top of the plant, which encourages it to branch out and grow wider instead of taller. It’s important to only pinch off the tip after your plant has reached the desired height and has set its first fruit.

Provide Adequate Support

As your tomato plant grows, it will need additional support to prevent it from toppling over. You can add additional stakes or cages as necessary to keep it upright. If using stakes, tie the tomato plant to the stake every 6 inches and adjust the ties as it grows. Cages can be made taller by attaching additional pieces of wire to the top of the cage.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can successfully contain your tomato plant and prevent it from taking over your garden. Choosing the right type of tomato, staking or caging, pruning, pinching, and providing adequate support are all effective ways to manage the size and growth of your tomato plants.