Without proper support, they’ll grow along the ground and become tangled, the fruits will rot and the plant will be more susceptible to disease. Not to mention that their branches could break under the weight of the fruit.
Read on to find out how to support tomato plants and promote healthy growth. And remember, this method works whether you’re growing your tomatoes in containers or in the soil in a vegetable garden.
BEST WAY TO TIE UP TOMATO PLANTS
1) WAIT UNTIL THE RIGHT TIME
Tie up your tomato plant when it’s 6-10 inches tall. It’s important to do it before the leaves start to droop because as soon as they touch the ground, your plant will be susceptible to disease.
2) CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF TOMATO PLANT SUPPORTS
Next, choose a plant tie that won’t harm your tomato plant’s stem. VELCRO® Brand Garden Ties are softer and gentler on stems than traditional plastic and wire garden ties and can be cut to size and adjusted as your plant grows.
3) STAKE AND TIE UP YOUR TOMATO PLANT
Start by driving a stake into the ground near your tomato plant (we’d recommend using wood or bamboo). Then loosely wrap a VELCRO® Brand Garden Ties around the tomato plant stem and the stake.
4) TIE UP LOOSE BRANCHES REGULARLY
During growing season, it’s important to check your tomato plant for loose branches on a regular basis (daily if possible). Tie them up before they start to droop to keep your plant well-supported as it grows.
Try it yourself! Pick up a pack of VELCRO® Brand Garden Ties from our online store or stay on our blog for more gardening tips and advice!
