Support Options for Cherry Toms.

[lapk78]

Hi All. I recently switched from having three EarthTainers to two 4'x4' raised beds. In each corner of each bed I have planted various types of cherry tomatoes (with 2 currant tomatoes). And because of the long growing season here in South Texas, these could get really tall/huge.

I want to know a good way to support these plants. I have read where people stake their plants, but then they usually prune to only 1 main stem. Is this a good method for cherry tomatoes? Or should cherry tomatoes be allowed to have multiple stems?

Is there a generally accepted method for growing Cherry Tomatoes? Should multiple stems with cages be advised? Single stems with stakes? Something else? There is about 3 feet between the tomatoes (with basil planted in-between).

For support in the past, I have used the largest store-bought conical cages I could find, and have zip-tied another one, upside-down, to the top the one in the ground. This worked until high winds would push the whole structures over...

Thanks for any advise from you smart, experienced folks!

-Lyle