Tomato Support System

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?ZWBJH 12 June 2012 Tomato Support System
A few more cords were added today to support fruit laden branches. The tomatoes are absolutely free growing with no obstructions.There are 32 plants.

Over the years all types of support systems have been used with various degrees of success. In 2012 an effort was made to incorporate the overhead string support system.

Eventually it was found 8 foot rebar 1/2 inch diameter held by plastic ties was ideal. The rebar was painted on a plastic sheet using a brush and green Tremclad to inhibit rusting. Vertical support need be every 4 feet and the rebar is about two feet into the ground to give about six feet of head room. The plants should be spaced at 2.5 to 3 foot centres. Few suckers were removed unless they were crowding. Maintenance meaning adding new strings is relatively easy and need be done about one or two hours each week, which peters out as the season advances. This system is probably ideal for about 50 plants or less. The plants were heavily mulched with wood chips and watering if necessary was done about one a week with a pail or Magic Water Wand if not enough down-spout water was available.

[hornstrider]

Nice support system Durgan. I have isseus with wind here in Hutto Texas. In our sub-division we have 2 acre lots, and no trees to block the wind. I have to use concrete wire cages wrapped w/ plastic to protect the seedlings from the spring winds. We had a severe wind storm hit us on Monday. We had 55 MPH winds all day long, I lost three plants because I haad not yet put a re-bar, or t-post support to re-inforce the cage. I planted a few plants early this year. I put them in on Feb 8th. I have also had to protect the plants from 6 freezing nights including one last night.

http://s706.beta.photobucket.com/use...cd866.mp4.html

[Durgan]

hornstrider

I can feel for you. Wind can be a misery. Fortunately it is not an issue for me.Good job on the wire cages.