Indeterminate tomato plants are vine plants that need support to keep the branches and fruit off the ground. Some determinate tomato plants, which are shorter and bushier plants, may also need some type of support as the plant grows. There are a variety of support options for tomato plants, and each one has a different benefit. Does this Spark an idea?
Cage
A tomato cage is placed over the tomato plant as a seedling. As the plant grows, the branches weave in and out of the cage, keeping the branches off the ground. There are metal cages and cages with vinyl-over-metal shells. Not only does the cage support the tomato plant, but it will keep larger critters such as deer from eating the seedlings before the plant has a chance to mature.
Stake
Metal stakes or stakes covered with vinyl work for indeterminate tomato plants that can grow 5 feet or taller. Wooden or bamboo stakes can also be used. The stake is pounded in the ground behind the seedling. As the plant grows, the plant is loosely tied to the stake so the vine can continue to grow upwards. The stakes come in different heights to accommodate different heights and varieties of tomato plants. This support method is good for determinate plants that need minor support.
Trellis
A tomato trellis has two stakes on the bottom that are pushed into the ground behind the tomato plant. The fan-shaped trellis stands straight up so that as the tomato plant grows, the branches can attach to the trellis and weave in and out of the holes in the trellis fan. Trellises come in wrought iron, wood and vinyl. Trellises are good for large-fruit tomato plants that produce fruit weighing 5 oz. or more.
String
Growing tomato plants near a fence offers another way to support the plants. String can be attached to the fence panels with small nails. The string runners are placed on the fence 12 inches apart so the tomato plant can grow up the fence as the branches attach to the string. String can be place vertically or horizontally. String support is best for smaller-fruit plants such as cherry tomatoes.
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