Tomato plants are anything but stable. Without support, the shoots crawl along the ground. In order for paradise apples to grow healthily and vitally, a climbing aid is indispensable. How to support tomatoes in beds, greenhouses and tubs.
The best supports for tomato plants
Bush tomatoes are the only variety that can do without climbing aids. All other tomato varieties require support to keep the tendrils and fruit from growing on the ground. The supports are installed in the bed and pot in such a way that the tomato plant winds around them. The following variants have become well established in hobby gardens:
- Bamboo stick, 15 millimeters minimum thickness,
- Spiral rod made of plastic or metal, at least 20 millimeters thick
- Wooden stick, preferably made of larch or oak, 30 millimeters thick
- Trellis with integrated planter
- Rank tower as a tomato tower up to 2 meters high
- Flower obelisk converted to tomato support
Wooden tomato supports are the cheapest solution. However, they have the disadvantage that they have to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Otherwise, the cunning spores of late blight will use the natural material to cling to and infest the plant.
This is how ropes turn into tomato supports
Where there is a lack of space in tomato cultivation, simple ropes act as practical climbing aids. Experience has shown that the greenhouse is crowded. Therefore, resourceful hobby gardeners stretch a stable wire at a height of 2 meters between the roof struts. At the planting distance of the tomatoes, ropes are tied to them. Tie the other end under the first tomato leaves. Guide the tendrils upwards along the respective rope as they grow.
The right binding material
Since tomato plants do not have any attachment organs, they are tied to their supports. Specialist shops have a large selection of suitable binding material. Alternatively, you can use gauze bandages, old clothes cut into strips or disused stockings to attach tomato shoots to climbing aids. It is important to note that the selected material does not cut into the shoots.
tips and tricks
Use spiral rods as a support for tomatoes, pay attention to models with a right twist. This orientation creates a sap build-up in the tomato plants, conducive to speedy ripening and increased crop yield.