How to Train Tomato Plants Around

Tomatoes are one of the most widely grown vegetables in home gardens. They are relatively easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest. However, to get the most out of your tomato plants, it's important to train them properly. Proper training ensures maximum light exposure, better air circulation, and ultimately better fruit production. Below are some tips on how to train tomato plants around.

1. Choose the Right Support Structure

The first step in training tomato plants is to choose the right support structure. There are several options to choose from, including cages, stakes, and trellises. Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages.

Cages are the easiest option as they require no work to set up. However, they can be limiting as they only support one or two tomato plants per cage. On the other hand, stakes require more work to set up, but they allow for more flexibility as you can plant several tomato plants around one stake. Trellises are the most versatile option, but they also require the most work to set up.

2. Prune Your Tomato Plants

Before you start training your tomato plants around, you need to prune them. Pruning involves removing the suckers that grow in the crotch between the main stem and the side stems. This allows your tomato plants to direct all their energy to producing fruit rather than growing more foliage.

Pruning also makes it easier to train your tomato plants around as there is less foliage to deal with. When pruning your tomato plants, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the stem.

3. Train Tomato Plants Around Stakes or Trellises

If you're using stakes or trellises to support your tomato plants, start by tying the main stem of your tomato plant to the stake or trellis using garden twine. As your plant grows, add more ties to support the side stems.

If you're using a trellis, weave the side stems in and out of the trellis as they grow. This ensures that the tomato plant is well-supported and has plenty of exposure to the sun. As your plant grows taller, keep adding more ties and weaving the side stems in and out of the trellis.

4. Train Tomato Plants Around Cages

If you're using cages to support your tomato plants, start by inserting the cage around your plant. As your plant grows, weave the side stems in and out of the cage. Be sure to keep the stems inside the cage as they grow, so they don't become damaged or broken.

If you're growing determinant tomato plants, meaning they grow to a certain height, you can top them off at the desired height. However, if you're growing indeterminate tomato plants, meaning they continue to grow, you need to keep training your tomato plants around as they grow taller.

5. Water and Feed Your Tomato Plants

To ensure your tomato plants stay healthy while training them around, it's important to water and feed them regularly. Tomatoes require deep watering once a week, and they also require a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season.

Be sure to water your tomato plants at the base rather than from above to avoid water splashing on the foliage. Wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases, which can damage your tomato plant and reduce your fruit harvest.

Conclusion

Training tomato plants around is an important task in maximizing your tomato plant's fruit production. By choosing the right support structure, pruning your plants, and training them around as they grow, you'll be rewarded with an abundant harvest of delicious tomatoes. Remember to water and feed your plants regularly throughout the growing season, and you'll have healthy, robust tomato plants in no time.