Staking and caging tomatoes is a common practice for home gardeners who want to maximize their tomato yield. Tomatoes are vines, so allowing them to sprawl on the ground can lead to disease and rot. Staking and caging keeps the plants upright, improves air circulation, and makes harvesting easier. However, it does require an investment of time, effort, and materials upfront. So should you stake and cage your tomatoes? There are pros and cons to consider.
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Pros of staking and caging tomatoes
Here are some of the benefits of staking and caging tomato plants:
- Prevents sprawling and improves airflow – Tomatoes left to spread on the ground can become overcrowded, leading to moisture buildup and fungal disease development. Staking keeps the plants upright and ensures adequate airflow.
- Makes harvesting easier – With staked or caged plants, all the tomatoes are held at an easy picking height rather than hidden underneath foliage on the ground.
- Suppresses weeds – Staking minimizes the footprint of the tomato plants, making it easier to keep weeds under control.
- Yields more fruit – Vertically grown tomatoes tend to yield more due to improved light exposure and air circulation. The fruit also stays cleaner when off the ground.
- Extends the season – Staking supports healthy plant growth longer into the fall season than non-staked plants.
- Keeps fruit cleaner – Tomatoes off the ground have less risk of soil splashback and rotting.
- Uses garden space efficiently – Growing vertically maximizes production in a small garden area.
Staking and caging have clear benefits for tomato management and productivity. The increased yields and ease of care typically make the extra effort worthwhile for most growers.
Cons of staking and caging tomatoes
There are some potential drawbacks associated with staking and caging tomatoes as well:
- More time and effort – It takes time and physical effort to install and maintain stakes or cages properly.
- Added material costs – Purchasing cages, stakes, ties, and other supplies represents an upfront cost.
- Access for pruning and harvesting can be tricky – Pruning and picking tomatoes in a tight cage can be more difficult than an open plant.
- Potential for damage – Stakes or cages falling over in storms can topple plants. Ties and rough handling can also damage stems.
- Less adaptable – Caged plants lack flexibility and may underperform in extreme weather relative to sprawling vines.
- Can harbor pests – Cages may make it harder to spot hornworms, whiteflies and other pests.
The extra effort and costs associated with staking are the main drawbacks to weigh. Make sure your investment in materials and time is feasible for your garden scale and budget.
What types of tomatoes should be staked?
Not all tomato varieties necessarily need staking or cages. Here are some guidelines based on tomato type:
Indeterminate tomatoes
Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit all season long. These tomato varieties benefit most from staking or cages, as they can easily grow over 5 feet tall if left to sprawl. Common indeterminate types include:
- Beefsteak
- Cherokee Purple
- Brandywine
- Sungold
- Black Krim
Determinate tomatoes
Determinate tomatoes remain more compact and reach a fixed mature size. Dwarf tomato varieties are also determinate. These types usually do fine without staking, though caging can still be helpful. Some determinate tomatoes include:
- Roma
- Celebrity
- Jackpot
- Elfin
- Micro-Tom
Semi-determinate tomatoes
Semi-determinate tomatoes fall somewhere in between. They continue to grow and set new fruit through the season, but not as vigorously as indeterminates. Staking or caging is recommended for the following popular semi-determinate varieties:
- Early Girl
- Cherokee Carbon
- Mountain Merit
- Defiant
The exception is that any dwarf or container-grown tomatoes should be staked, caged, or trellised to provide support, regardless of variety.
Should I use tomato cages or stakes?
Cages and vertical stakes are two common systems used to support tomatoes. Which option is better for your vegetable garden?
Tomato cages
Tomato cages are wire enclosures placed around each plant. They provide all-around support and keep foliage contained.
Pros
- Minimal effort – Cages just need to be placed over plants and they provide built-in support.
- Durability – Sturdy wire cages can be reused for many seasons.
- Even support – Cages surround plants and support evenly.
- Space efficiency – Plants can be spaced closely while contained in cages.
Cons
- Limit pruning access – Cages make pruning suckers and leaves more difficult.
- Higher initial cost – Pre-formed cages cost more than stakes and ties.
- Can topple – Cages are prone to falling over if not staked.
- Odd shaped fruit – Cages can cause tomatoes to grow misshapen.
Tomato stakes
With staking, vertical poles are driven into the ground and plants are tied to the stakes as they grow. This offers customizable support.
Pros
- Lower cost – Wooden or metal stakes just need to be pounded in the ground.
- Easy access – Open support makes pruning and harvest easier.
- Customizable – Add more stakes to tailor support as needed.
- Moveable – Stakes can be relocated to adjust spacing.
Cons
- Regular tying required – Plants must be tied frequently to stakes as they grow.
- Single direction support – Stakes only support the side they’re on.
- Durability issues – Wooden stakes deteriorate over time.
- Potential disease – Ties can cut into and damage plants.
In general, cages are lower maintenance while staking offers more versatility. Consider your site conditions, tomato types, and willingness to prune and tie plants when deciding.
What are the best materials for staking tomatoes?
If using stakes for tomatoes, you have several material options. Here is an overview of common tomato stake materials:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo | – Inexpensive – Easy to source – Natural look |
– Durability issues – Needs preservative |
| Wood | – Low cost – Get desired height |
– Weathering/decay – Needs preservative |
| Reinforced metal | – Very strong – Long lasting |
– Higher cost – Can leach metals |
| PVC plastic | – Lightweight – Doesn’t decay |
– Can crack over time – Not as sturdy |
Bamboo and wood are attractive options, but need preservative treatment to last more than a couple seasons. For a long-term investment, metal or plastic stakes are more durable materials.
How many stakes does each tomato plant need?
Most tomato plants only need 1-2 stakes for adequate support, depending on the size:
- determinate varieties – One 5-6 foot stake per plant is usually sufficient.
- Indeterminate varieties – Use one stake near the base and 1-2 additional 4-5 foot stakes further down the row.
- Extra large varieties – Some beefsteak and heirloom indeterminate tomatoes may need 3 stakes per plant for max support and heaviest yields.
Place the first stake within 6 inches of the plant soon after transplanting. Add more stakes as stems lengthen and side shoots form to continue supporting growth.
What is the best way to tie tomatoes to stakes?
Tying technique matters to prevent damage to tomato plants. Here are some tips:
- Use wide, stretchy plant ties rather than thin string or twist ties.
- Tie just snugly enough to provide support, but not tightly.
- Attach ties to the main stem below leaf branches to avoid breakage.
- Tie plants every 6-12 inches up the stake(s).
- Check ties weekly and loosen any that are girdling stems.
- Remove ties at end of season to avoid overwintering sites for pests.
Proper tying technique keeps indeterminate tomato vines growing upright without restricting circulation. Remove lower leaves to allow ties directly on the stems.
Step-by-step guide to staking tomatoes
Follow this comprehensive guide for the best results staking your tomato plants:
Choose staking method
Decide between stakes or cages based on your site, variety, budget and willingness to tie plants. Get the necessary supplies before planting.
Add stakes
Install the first stake 6 inches from each transplant when first setting out, burying it at least 8 inches deep. For larger varieties, add another 1-2 stakes down the row.
Prune and tie plants
Pinch off suckers and lower leaves. Tie main stems to stakes starting when they reach 12 inches tall. Continue tying every 6-12 inches as needed.
Monitor ties
Check ties weekly, loosening any that are too tight or removing those girdling stems. Add ties to new growth higher on stakes.
Fertilize and water
Ensure staked tomatoes get 1-2 inches of water and fertilizer each week for healthy growth. Side dress stakes with compost midseason.
Watch for issues
Check staked tomato plants for pest or disease problems. Address any concerns promptly to maintain vigorous growth.
Harvest promptly
Pick tomatoes at peak ripeness 2-3 times per week. Remove and discard any rotten fruit to prevent disease spread.
Clean up spent plants
Cut back and remove finished tomato vines at the end of season. Pull stakes and store for reuse next year.
Following these steps will provide the essential support your tomato plants need while allowing for an extended harvest period. Adjust as needed for your specific tomato varieties.
Conclusion
Staking and caging tomato plants is typically recommended for the healthiest, highest yielding tomato crop. While it does involve more upfront investment of time, effort, and supplies, the benefits tend to outweigh the drawbacks for most home tomato growers. Optimal staking improves air circulation and light exposure, keeps fruit clean off the ground, makes maintenance easier, and can significantly boost total tomato production in a small space.
Match your staking approach to the determinate or indeterminate growth habit of each variety you are cultivating. Indeterminate types require more vertical support over a longer period. Ensure stakes or cages are properly installed and plants are tied up at regular intervals using stretchable ties. With the right maintenance of your stakes and ties, you can expect to grow stronger tomato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
