Exhibits, Shows and Displays

How to keep tomato plants standing straight?

Ok so I planted some tomato plants today, and some of the bigger plants are bending down. So I thought maybe I could get some little wood sticks and lightly tie the plant to the stick to keep them standing up, thought maybe some small zip ties would work? Do you guys have any other idea's that would work better than the one I have? Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks Brian

Public Comments

1. They have cone shaped wire trellises that you can place over the plants to keep them standing up. Most hardware stores have them in the garden section.
2. Stakes of wood or plastic are fine. I use cheap knee-high nylons for ties. They are soft, strong and do not cut into the plants like plastic ties would. I shop for them at the Dollar stores.
3. I use small sections of yarn to tie them up. It's soft enough not to cut the plant, it loosens with age, and it dissolves over the seasons so it doesn't need thrown away.
4. Panty hose are the best to tie with. They won't harm the plants and stretch. I prefer tomato cages, which come in various heights. They keep the plants better contained. A good wooden stake can also be used. You need a stake that is at least 5-6 ft long so that it can be place far enough in the ground to get good support, and have about 4 feet about ground. Pinch the tops off the plants when they get to about 4 feet so the plant will devote more energy to fruit production instead of growing.
5. If you just planted them they will need to be tied and retied several times as they grow. I use garden twine and bamboo poles or wooden stakes, and I have some wire cages. Just tie them gently so as not to bruise the plants. If you use the wire cages, put them on while they are still small or you will break the plants later on. And yes sometimes I have used twist ties on plants. And if they are drooping water them at the base with a bucket.
6. they have special baskets for tomatoe plants to keep them up,your idea is okay also just use a stake about 3ft so you can tie up the plants as they continue to grow