Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out what's the best way to support my tomato plants in my raised bed. Should I go with stakes or a trellis? Is it more about personal preference, or does one option actually benefit the plants more than the other? I'm leaning towards using stakes and clips to save space, but I'm open to using a trellis if it's better for the growth of the plants. What do you all think?
3 Answers
I actually use both methods! For my determinate tomato plants, I prefer stakes, but for indeterminate varieties, a trellis works really well. It helps keep the plants upright and allows for better airflow. Just be mindful of how you prune them if you choose the trellis. That can be a game-changer!
Good question! The choice between stakes and a trellis can depend on whether your tomatoes are determinate or indeterminate. I find that a trellis is fantastic for air circulation with indeterminate types, but if you don’t prune often, they can get a bit out of hand. I've also had success using cages, but they can get crowded. For my determinate plants, I definitely stick to stakes, but some gardeners swear by cages too!
I think mine are indeterminate too. It’s a beefsteak tomato. What type of trellis do you use?
For space-saving, I’d recommend staking your determinates and using a trellis for indeterminates. It really helps to keep everything organized, plus you can fit more plants in a smaller area. Just make sure your indeterminate plants are pruned well if you go that route!
Interesting! What kind of trellis do you have for your indeterminate tomatoes?