If tomatoes are not tied up, their tendrils crawl along the ground. A harvest of magnificent fruit then becomes a distant prospect. Find out how to properly tie tomatoes and win the battle with gravity here.
How do you tie tomatoes correctly?
To tie tomatoes properly, you can use sturdy stakes, a trellis or spiral rods. Secure shoots with soft material such as synthetic jersey, gauze bandages or nylon stockings and ensure sufficient support with Velcro fasteners or knots.
Tie tomatoes cleverly – despite the lack of space in the greenhouse
In the greenhouse there is always limited space for growing mighty beefsteak tomatoes or other tomato varieties. There is little space for climbing aids. A creative solution is needed to securely tie the tendrils heavily laden with fruit. Here's how to do it in no time:
- Stretch a sturdy wire at a sufficient height of approx. 2 meters
- Attach strings to it at the planting distance from the tomatoes
- tie the lower end of the rope to the main shoot of the plant below the first pair of leaves
- The tomato plant is guided and tied around this rope as it grows
Once the season is over, all tomato plants are removed from the greenhouse in one go. Simply pull it out of the ground, untie the knot on the wire and pull it to the compost heap.
How to securely connect tomatoes and climbing aids
Tomatoes outdoors usually offer enough space to install a climbing aid. Stable rods made of bamboo, plastic or fiberglass have proven to be effective. Of course, the tendrils slip off this smooth material and gravity is on the winning track. Smart hobby gardeners prevent this with the following trick:
- First wrap support sticks for tomatoes with synthetic jersey or gauze bandages
- then tie the shoots according to their growth
- Simple Velcro fasteners ensure the best hold (€5.00 at Amazon)
In contrast to smooth rods, a trellis offers better support. The tendrils can also be extended wider so that the weight is distributed. The higher space requirement and purchase price should be taken into account.
Spiral rod makes tethering unnecessary
It is considered the flagship climbing aid for tomatoes in the hobby garden. The spiral rod is made of high-quality aluminum or galvanized steel, so it will last for many years. Thanks to the winding shape, the tomato plant climbs up without being attached to it.
Tips & Tricks
Disused women's nylon stockings are far too good to end up in the trash. Cut into suitable pieces, they create an extra-soft and at the same time durable binding material for tomato plants. In this case, injuries to the tendrils are almost impossible.
