06/02/2026
You’re watching those tomatoes grow, now how to help them thrive and produce.
Master Gardener volunteers John Jordan and Martha Mealy are demonstrating methods to support to tomatoes as they grow and reach for the sun. All tomatoes in this bed are indeterminate varieties, meaning they vine and will continuously bear fruit until the first frost. Unlike bush types (determinate) they require some sort of trellising and staking and benefit from regular pruning of side shoots to manage their size.
Cages: Square, round or conical wire tomato cages are placed around the plant to support the weight of the branches as the plant bears fruit. In this demonstration bed, a spiral-shaped metal stake has been placed at the center of the cage The plant stem will be threaded through the spiral to give the stem support. Two or three main stems will be allowed to grow. Suckers will be pruned as they emerge. Twine or velcro or plant clips can be used to tie the branches to the cage for additional support.
Cattle Panels: Cattle panels have been installed on three sides of a square area, supported by posts. The panels have been secured to the posts using zip ties. As the plants grow they will be tied onto the panels with velcro or twine. The plants will be pruned to allow only two leaders (or main stems) to grow. Suckers or side shoots will be frequently pruned allowing the plant to put more energy into growing fruit than leaves.
String Method: This is space-saving method of growing and produces large, easy-to-harvest fruit. It also maximizes air flow around the plant reducing risk of fungus. Plants will be trained to grow up the strings that are tied to support structures at both the top and bottom. Stems will be wrapped around the string as the plant grows and secured using tomato clips, velcro or twine. The plants will be pruned to have only one main stem. Suckers will be removed and lower leaves cut off.
