Old Time Tomato Vining Techniques

No Staking

• Leaving tomatoes to sprawl on the ground is far simpler than developing elaborate support systems, and the tomatoes may suffer less sunscald or blossom end rot. Ground tomatoes may also ripen more quickly in cool climates. Unfortunately, these plants are more prone to problems with soilborne diseases and insect pests. They also take up more room and are more difficult to harvest than caged or staked tomatoes.

Other Methods

• Old time gardeners often used old tires or No. 10 cans with both ends removed to support tomatoes. These devices were readily available and usually free. Place one old tire or can over each plant. These materials help keep foliage off the ground, deter cutworms and warm the soil, encouraging faster growth. Stake tomato plants to sturdy sticks with soft twine or fabric.

Modern Methods

• Commercial cages are a common choice for home gardeners, but these cages are often too lightweight for heavy, indeterminate tomato vines. Homemade options include heavy wire or wooden cages, single stakes and a trellis system. All have potential benefits and drawbacks. Cages are expensive to make and require ample storage space, but are easy to use without much pruning or tying. Trellises take up little room in the garden or in storage, but require regular maintenance to secure the tomatoes to the support. Using a single stake requires significant pruning, which can reduce yields.

Recommendations

• Robust, indeterminate tomato plants produce long, heavy vines and benefit from some sort of support. If you have the room to store them, consider homemade cages. Trellises work best for those with limited garden and storage space. Compact, determinate types can get by with a single stake, or even no stake at all.