Four layers of twine will support most varieties. As plants grow, weave another layer of twine every 6-8 inches to keep plants well supported.After reaching the end stake, weave twine back up the row in the opposite direction, alternating with the first strand so each plant stem has a twine on both sides, holding it up. Weave twine in a figure eight pattern between tomato plants, wrapping twice around each stake down the row. Tie sturdy, untreated twine at one end of the row, about 12” up from the soil level.Begin supporting tomato seedlings after they have set first flower clusters.Set stakes at least six inches deep, one stake for every two-three plants, as soon as the seedlings have been transplanted.If using indeterminate varieties, use 5’ stakes. Use 4-5 ft sturdy wooden stakes, with double stakes at the end of each row for strength.This system is best suited to determinate varieties of tomatoes, but can be used for indeterminate varieties if the tops are trimmed once they reach the top of the stakes. The basket weave (sometimes called ‘Florida weave’) system uses about half as many stakes as individual staking, and also saves labor. Location Used: Tunnel/ Greenhouse or Outdoors (with sturdy trellis) Location Used: Outdoors or Tunnel/ Greenhouse Type of Tomato: Determinate or Indeterminate (topped) The two most common pruning systems in the Northeastern US are the basket weave and the overhead trellis systems. The growth habit determines the most appropriate pruning system for that variety. Tomato varieties are classified as having determinate or indeterminate growth habit.
Heirloom/Specialty: Brandywine, Black Krim, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra
Examples of varieties of each type are listed below.īeefsteak type: Rutgers, Celebrity, Mountain Fresh, Florida 47, Orange BlossomĬherry type: Sungold, Matt’s Wild Cherry, Sweet 100īeefsteak: Big Boy, Early Girl, Big Beef, Jet Star Indeterminate varieties keep growing indefinitely until frost, and continue to set new flowers and fruit throughout this time. Determinate varieties are typically earlier than indeterminate varieties, but they have a short and defined production season.
These varieties stop growing once they set a terminal bud, usually when they are around 4’ tall. Determinate tomatoes have a bush growth habit. Tomato varieties are classified as having either determinate or indeterminate growth habit. Further, keeping tomato plants off the ground reduces common fungal diseases like early blight, Septoria leaf spot, and anthracnose, and improves fruit quality.
Pruning, or selectively removing some of the tomato plant growth, can improve harvestable yields and prolong the harvest season.
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