How to Support Determinate Tomato Plants

Determinate tomato plants, also known as bush tomatoes, are a great choice for home gardeners as they take up less space and produce a high yield of fruit. However, these plants can be prone to breakage without proper support. Here are some tips on how to support determinate tomato plants:

Select the Right Support

There are several options available for supporting determinate tomato plants, including cages, stakes, and trellises. Cages are a popular choice as they are easy to use and provide excellent support. Stakes are ideal for smaller plants, while trellises are suitable for larger plants. It is important to select the right support for your plants based on their size and growth habits.

Install the Support Early

It is important to install the support for your determinate tomato plants as early as possible. This is because these plants have a compact growth habit and can quickly become heavy with fruit. By providing support early, you will encourage the plant to grow upwards rather than spreading outwards, which can result in breakage.

Secure the Support Firmly

No matter which support you choose, it is essential to secure it firmly in the ground. This will prevent the plant from toppling over in strong winds or heavy rain. Cages and trellises should be anchored with stakes or buried at least 6 inches deep in the soil. Stakes should be inserted at least 1 foot deep and angled towards the plant for added stability.

Prune the Plant Regularly

To ensure that your determinate tomato plants remain compact and bushy, it is important to prune them regularly. This will prevent the plant from becoming too tall and top-heavy, which can lead to breakage. Remove any suckers that grow in the crotch between the main stem and branches, and trim any branches that are touching the ground.

Use Twine to Provide Additional Support

If your determinate tomato plants are particularly heavy, you may need to provide additional support using twine. Tie the twine to the support at the top and then loop it around the stem of the plant, tying it loosely but firmly. This will help to keep the plant upright and prevent breakage.

In Conclusion

Determinate tomato plants are a great choice for home gardeners, but they do require proper support to prevent breakage. By selecting the right support, installing it early, securing it firmly, pruning the plant regularly, and using twine to provide additional support as needed, you can ensure that your plants remain healthy and productive throughout the growing season.