How to Stake Indeterminate Tomato Plants

Indeterminate tomato plants require staking to keep them upright, ensure better air circulation, promote maximum sunlight exposure, and prevent the fruit from touching the soil. Here are some steps to guide you on how to stake indeterminate tomato plants:

Step 1: Choose your Stake Materials

You can choose several options for your stake materials. Some of these options include bamboo, wooden stake, metal stake or trellis netting. The best height of a stake should be between five to six feet tall. The stake should be inserted about six to eight inches into the soil before planting to prevent the tomato plant from getting damaged during insertion.

Step 2: Plant the Tomato Seedlings

After choosing your preferred stake materials, you can then plant your tomato seedlings. Put your tomato plants two to three feet apart from each other to allow for good air circulation, which prevents diseases from spreading. Once you plant the seedlings, water them thoroughly and make sure the soil is moist a few inches inside.

Step 3: Install the Stakes

When your tomato seedlings are approximately six inches tall, it’s time to stake them. Insert the stake beside the tomato plant and push it into the ground carefully, taking care not to hit the roots. Make sure the stake is solidly and firmly in the soil in such a way that it won’t fall over if there’s a windstorm. The first tying point should be about six inches above the soil, where the stem is thicker.

Step 4: Tie Your Tomato Plant to the Stakes

To tie your tomato plant to the stakes, you can use garden twine, ties made from strips of pantyhose, or twist ties. Start by wrapping the material gently around the stake and plant trunk in a figure-eight pattern, taking care not to wrap it too tight because it can cut into the flesh of the plant stem. Tie every 12 inches up the stake, and once you reach the top, tie a large knot or bow to keep the plant stem from sliding down the stake.

Step 5: Train Your Tomato Plant to Grow Upward

As your tomato plant grows, continue to tie it up to the stake. You may also need to use pruning shears to remove the excess leaves or branches that are not needed. This practice is called “suckering” and encourages upward growth while also allowing proper air circulation, sunlight, and nutrient distribution.

Conclusion

Staking indeterminate tomato plants is essential for their growth, yield, and health. With these simple steps for staking tomato plants, you can enjoy delicious, juicy fruits all season long. Take the time to train your plants and watch them grow, and enjoy the fruits of your labor in no time.