How to Support Tomatoes: Bonnie Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens. However, they can be difficult to support without the proper techniques. Here are some tips on how to support your tomato plants from Bonnie Plants:

Choose the right support

Before you plant your tomatoes, consider the type of support that will work best for your garden. There are several options to choose from, including stakes, cages, trellises, and even specialized tomato towers. Each type of support has its own benefits, so choose one that fits your garden's size and your personal preferences.

Install support at planting time

It is important to install your tomato support when you plant your tomatoes. Waiting until the plants are larger can cause stress to the roots and increase the risk of damaging the plants. When you install your support, be sure to place it securely in the ground so it doesn't shift or topple over once the plants start to grow.

Prune your tomato plants

Pruning your tomato plants can help reduce the amount of stress on the stems and branches. This, in turn, can help prevent the plants from breaking and falling over. Be sure to remove any side shoots that grow in the crotch joint of the main stem and the branches. Prune back any branches that are growing too long, and remove any leaves or branches that touch the ground to help prevent disease.

Train your tomato plants

As your tomato plants grow, they will need to be trained to grow up and around the support you have chosen. Gently tie the main stem of each plant to the support with a soft twine or plant tie. As the plants grow taller, continue to tie them to the support regularly to help prevent breaking and falling.

Water and fertilize regularly

Proper watering and fertilization are essential for growing healthy, strong tomato plants. Be sure to water your plants regularly, and fertilize them according to the instructions for your chosen type of fertilizer. Fertilizing your plants on a regular schedule can help promote strong growth and increase your tomato yield.

Conclusion

Growing tomatoes can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it is important to provide the right support to ensure that your plants are healthy and productive. Follow these tips from Bonnie Plants to help support your tomato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest!