Author: Aqua Gardening
Date: 26 October 2023

Plant Support for Tomatoes

Plant support for vegetables

Whether indoors or outdoors, there’ll be times when your plants need some extra support.

If your plant has heavy fruits or flowers, or if it’s top-heavy in general, that support will help them stay upright. Without it, the plant may fall over. And this can damage the blooms or fruit, or the plant itself.

Not only do supports help heavy plants, but they also give climbing plants a vehicle to climb up. As well, supports provide breakage protection to tall plants in heavy winds and rains. And lastly, they can offer vertical space for small areas.

But, not all supports are created equal. Different plants need different types of support.

Read on to learn of 5 types of plant supports to help you choose the right one for your plant.

Types of Plant Supports

1. Cages

Most of us have seen the standard circular tomato cage, but cages can also be triangular and square in shape. They can be used not only for tomatoes but for other top-heavy plants as well.

Tip: Square cages, and some triangular ones, interlock to form their shape. But you can open the cage up and extend it to form a trellis-like design. This versatility is one of the reasons these are one of Aqua Gardening's favourite type of plant support for veggies.

 

2. Trellises and Flower Mesh

Trellises can make wonderful, decorative additions to gardens. They’re usually made of metal or wood, though you can find plastic trellises as well. Flower support mesh is made from plastic only.

 

3. Stakes

Multiple types of stakes using different materials, including bamboo, plastic and hardwood.

Stakes can be fashioned from bamboo, metal, or hardwood and heights can range from 30cm to 1.5 metres high. You can use this type of plant support for any plant whose stem can be held in place with a tie.

 

Tip: Even if you stake a seedling, don’t tie your plant to its stake until it gets closer to needing the support. This will save you time retying the stake as the plant grows.

It’s important to choose a stake that’s sturdy enough to handle the weight of the plant. And, don’t be afraid to use additional stakes if extra support is needed. For trees, use a tree stake. These are designed to handle the heavier demands of trees.

4. Hoops

Hooped plant supports including a peony ring, a hoop with a grid and hoop supports for stems.

Hoops come in varying sizes and can have a full-circle or semi-circle design. Which type you pick will depend on your plant and its anticipated size when fully grown.

 

5. DIY Supports

When it comes to plant supports, there’s no need to break the budget, or even dip into that wallet at all. Climbing plants can even be supported by a fence or galvanised mesh.

Stakes and cages can be fashioned from any metal or wood posts you have handy. As long as the post is sturdy enough for the plant.

Fences and walls can all make excellent supports for your climbing plants. You can even use another plant as a support system for a climber.

Tying Plants

When tying your plant to its support, tie the plant firmly, but loose enough to leave a little wiggle room.

Never use harsh or abrasive ties, such as metal or heavy twines. These can damage your plant. You could even save a few dollars by making your own ties from old t-shirts, nylons, and the like.

The plant support should be sturdy enough to hold up your plant as it matures.

Make sure the support is unobtrusive or compliments your plant or garden design. In other words, you don’t want your support to detract from the beauty of the plant.