Farming tomatoes can be a surprising adventure to many, especially if they have no idea of the sprawling vine that will come from the tomato seed. The only difference is that the vine lacks tendrils that allow others in the same family or species to climb trees or support themselves.
Being on the surface or farmland can result in many outcomes such as lower yields due to disease, pest infestation, and rotting due to high amounts of water exposure.
Farmers who want larger produce stake the tomato vine to provide it with ample support. Here are other reasons why a farmer should endeavor to stake their vines.
Why stake the vines?
Even though they appear healthy, the vines can be messy and overrun each other if you allow them to grow on the ground. However, the aim is not to lift the plants from the ground. Other important elements for staking include:
Ground-level foliage encumbers many diseases due to the wet soil and dirt. Wetness in the soil encourages bacterial growth, and some fungi can also infect the plant while on the earth. Lifting using a stick or plant will help reduce the chances of a rot or disease infestation.
Protect from pests
Groundhogs are not the only animals interested in the tomato fruit. Small organisms in the soil also crave the fruit, and if it grows touching the earth, they also get to reach it. It reduces the number of yields you get at the end of the day.
Easier plant care
Caring for the plant becomes an easier task for the farmer. Fruits are accessible when the vine is standing than when it flows on the ground surface. If you need to inspect or monitor pest and disease control, you do not have to bend down. To check on soil water content, you need to examine the ground surrounding the plant and not the entire farm surface.
Increases farming space
Vertical growth means that you can squeeze more plants in a single area when you grow horizontally. Therefore, the training process becomes a fruitful one, and you can plant more plants than before, increasing the yields.
Increase in watering frequency
While on the ground, the vines can source moisture from the ground using the roots that develop as they snake around on the surface. When vertically, the water reach goes down to the roots holding the plant in the soil. Therefore, the tomato plants require more water than initially for successful growth and fruiting.
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Choosing the right staking tool or plant
The standing vine requires support from a stick and a compatible clasp. Selecting the grip should consider that the plant is fragile, and making it too tight can severe the stem, and too loose will not hold the plant.
A good clasp is a smooth fabric that is soft to the touch but makes a good knot when tied. You can also employ the use of a pantyhose to reach your goal.
Use a stake for supporting the cage, and if unavailable, a cell-like support system will also work. Use the fabric to tie the vine loosely to the support system. Let the loose ties have an interval of approximately 6 to 8 inches as it grows upwards.
Staking Determinate Fruit Vines
Tomato fruit vines are of two types. One is determined. The other is indeterminate. A determinate vine has more stem support allowing the fruits to develop on the flowers attached to its branches and not crawl on the ground surface. In other words, it requires little staking approval.
However, with such support, it can remain in place a while longer. You can also plant it in your house or place it in a port on the front deck. You can grow tomatoes in your in-house garden without the worry of the fruits falling due to inadequate support.
A cage will work with this type. The caging or support system only works if you place the plant at its younger state. The plant is quite rigid, and doing it later in life can result in damage. You do it early to ensure that you can tie the rest of the plant without providing good yields.
A cage can be expensive in comparison to a stake. However, it is more secure and prevents further damage in contrast to the cell. The stake is not in balance, and providing support to a firm and steady plant as the determinate tomato fruit can result in heavy damages.
Supporting indeterminate fruit variety
The traditional tomato plant grows to a much thicker and much heavier plant compared to the determinate variety. It is also more fruitful and requires much more input when developing it. If you choose to use cages, ensure that they are bigger and taller than those you select for the other variety.
The indeterminate grows to a size that is hard to measure. The same applies to the stakes that you use. Make sure they follow the same principle and have a sturdy width, and can balance the weight of the vines once they start fruiting.
Staking these vines
Similar to the other type, use the staking method early on the plant to avoid resistance. Choose stake dimensions that will work. A seven feet stake with 2 inches in width and length is advisable for the process. The stake must have a pointed end. The side goes deep into the soil for balance and strength when holding the vine.
When preparing it for the staking, select a distance of around five inches from the tomato vine. Drive it into the ground, approximately 15 inches. The aim is to prevent any form of root damage from occurring to the plant.
Also, the monitoring allows you to identify the right time to prune the vines. The aim is to allow a concentration on the growing fruits and to reduce the weight weighing down on the stake. Trimming removes pant suckers, the thing the plant size allowing better aeration. No diseases and other infections will happen upon the vine with stake support.
Staking tomatoes is an important process to follow during the growing season. These vines require support as it increases the yields and adds more space for you to grow more tomatoes on your garden. Whether you are staking a determinate vine or an indeterminate one, be sure to use the right support mechanism. Understand the plant specifics for each and use the information to make a decision.
Remember, the good staking process will ensure better yields through better plant health, easier handling on your side as a farmed, and lower impacts on pest and disease infestation. Therefore, staking is a matter of improving the farming process and increasing revenue for all tomato growing farmers or professionals!