Become a Tomato Tutor: 5 DIY Techniques for Making Your Own Tomato Stakes!
Tomatoes, whether they are beefsteak, cherry, yellow, or heirloom varieties, are a beloved fruit in gardens across the world. As we approach the month of May, it’s the perfect time to start planting your tomato seedlings. However, to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest, it’s essential to provide proper support to your growing tomato plants. In this article, we will explore five DIY techniques for making your own tomato stakes.
The Materials for Good Tomato Stakes
While it’s not mandatory to stake your tomato plants, doing so is highly recommended if you want to optimize their growth and fruit production. Tomato plants have stems that are not sturdy enough to support the weight of heavy fruit-laden branches. Additionally, keeping the fruit off the ground can help prevent diseases and pests while facilitating easier harvesting. While there are many pre-made tomato stakes available on the market, they can be quite expensive. That’s why many people choose to make their own tomato stakes using materials like wood, bamboo, metal, or sturdy twine. Let’s explore these options further.
The Simple Stake
The simple stake is one of the most commonly used and easiest support systems for tomato plants. It involves using a wooden or metal stake that you attach the tomato plants to as they grow. This reliable and robust method works well for all tomato varieties. Keep in mind that wooden stakes can retain mildew spores from year to year, so it’s important to thoroughly disinfect them if you choose this material. Bamboo stakes are a popular choice due to their durability, and hazel rods are known for their straightness.
When purchasing pre-made stakes, they are often too short, necessitating unnecessary pruning. If you make your own stakes, it’s best to aim for a height of 2.5 meters (8 feet).
The Spiral Stake
The spiral stake is a convenient option that adds a touch of design to your garden. Typically made of galvanized steel, this stake is easy to install and secures the tomato plant by wrapping around it. It eliminates the need for additional ties or supports, but it may not be able to support exceptionally heavy fruit. The spiral stake is a long-term investment, as it is resistant to weather conditions and can last for several years. It’s important to choose a stake with a larger diameter for added strength. Connecting multiple spiral stakes together with wire can create stability.
The V-Shaped Stake
The V-shaped stake is a common choice for supporting not only tomato plants but also peas and beans. This design involves using two upright stakes connected at the top with a rope to form an inverted V shape. Another horizontal stake can be added at the top for added support. This stake system works best for bushy and sprawling tomato varieties that don’t require pruning.
- For more information on tomato pruning, check out our article: The Pros and Cons of Tomato Pruning and Defoliation.
The Tipi Stake
The tipi stake takes inspiration from conical Native American tents. It consists of three wooden or wrought iron stakes attached together at the top with string or wire. Some gardeners even add a fourth stake for additional stability. This stake system is particularly useful in windy areas and for varieties that bear large fruits, such as the popular ‘Cœur de Bœuf’ tomato.
The Cage Stake
The cage stake, also known as the tomato cage, is a popular choice for greenhouse or open-field cultivation. This system requires sufficient space, as the structure needs to be at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and 60 centimeters (24 inches) wide. The cage is typically made from sheep fencing or reclaimed metal trellis. The branches and leaves of the tomato plant naturally intertwine with the metal mesh, eliminating the need for additional ties or support.
The Twine Stake
The twine stake system involves securely attaching a strong twine to a high support structure. This method works best for tomato plants grown in straight rows. Above each row, a metal bar or rod is suspended between two sturdy poles, creating a support frame at a height of 2 to 2.5 meters (6.5 to 8 feet). A robust twine, such as the type used for baling straw, is then attached to the base of each tomato plant and vertically stretched to meet the top bar, where it is secured. This technique is commonly used in commercial greenhouses and requires regular tying of the plants as they grow.
Choose the tomato stake technique that aligns with your gardening style and the needs of your tomato plants. With these five DIY techniques, you can provide the necessary support to help your tomatoes thrive and yield a successful harvest.
