How to Use Tomato Stakes

Tomato vines are tall, thin and brittle, and can easily break or snap under the weight of heavy tomatoes. To prevent damage to the tomato plants, use tomato stakes to help support the plants and the weight of the tomatoes. The general rule of thumb is to use one stake for each tomato plant. However, sometimes one strong stake between two plants can support both plants.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tomato stakes
• Rubber mallet
• Old panty hose
• Scissors

1. Count the tomato plants so you know how many stakes you will need. Ensure that each stake has a point on one end.

2. Place the point of one stake about 4 inches from the trunk of the plant. Use the rubber mallet to hammer the stake into the ground deeply enough that it stands solidly in the ground parallel to the plant.

3. Cut the legs of the panty hose into 6- or 8-inch long strips that are about 1 inch in width.

4. Place a strip of panty hose about halfway up the plant. Tie it around the trunk of the tomato plant and continue around the stake, finishing with a knot to make sure the plant is tied to the stake firmly but not so tight that it will get damaged.

5. Tie another panty hose strip around the plant and stake, but do this one closer to the top of the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Pantyhose material will stretch with the plant as it grows and will not cut into the plant's main trunk or stems.
• Use a rubber mallet to hammer in wooden tomato stakes to prevent the stakes from splitting. For metal stakes, use a steel hammer to pound them firmly into the ground.
• Avoid using twist ties or string to bind the tomato plants to the tomato stakes as these items will cut into the stems and branches, damaging the plants.