How to Support Tall Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are notorious for growing tall and sprawling, which can lead to them breaking under the weight of their own fruit. Proper support is essential to keep your tomato plants healthy and producing. Here are some tips for supporting those tall tomato plants.

Choose the Right Type of Support

There are many different types of tomato supports available, including cages, stakes, trellises, and more. Choose the type of support that best fits your plants and your gardening style. Some plants may need sturdier supports, while others may require more flexibility. Consider factors such as plant height, weight, and growth habit when selecting your support.

Install Your Supports Early

It's important to install your tomato supports early in the growing season, ideally when you first plant your seedlings. This will ensure that the plants grow up properly supported from the start. Trying to add supports later in the season can damage the roots and stress the plants.

Use Proper Placement

Proper placement of your tomato supports is essential to ensuring that the plants are adequately supported. If using stakes or cages, place them in the ground near the base of the plant at planting time. For trellises, attach them to a sturdy support structure, such as a fence or wall. Be sure to place your supports in a way that allows the plants to grow up through them and be supported on all sides.

Secure Your Supports Properly

Once your supports are in place, it's important to secure them properly. Stakes should be driven deeply into the ground to provide stability. Cages should be tied securely to the stakes or other supports. Trellises should be anchored securely to your support structure and the plants should be tied to the trellis at regular intervals. Take care not to tie the plants too tightly, as this can damage them.

Prune Your Plants

Pruning your tomato plants can help to direct their growth and allow for better air circulation around the plant, which can reduce the risk of disease. Pruning can also help to keep your plants more manageable and prevent them from becoming too tall and sprawling. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any suckers or low-hanging branches from your plants.

Conclusion

Proper support is essential to keeping your tomato plants healthy and productive. Choose the right type of support for your plants, install it early, and secure it properly. Be sure to prune your plants as needed to keep them under control. With proper support, your tomato plants will thrive and produce delicious, juicy fruit all season long.