4 Ways To Support Tomato Plants In Pots

There are 2 types of tomato plants that are typically very different in size: determinate or indeterminate. Determinate plants only grow to about 3 feet (0. 91 m) tall. Indeterminate plants can grow between 6–10 feet (1. 8–3. 0 m) tall. [1] X Research source Determinate tomato plants need less support. They are more naturally bushing and smaller, so they can support themselves better than the vine-like indeterminate plants. These can typically be supported by a small tomato cage. If you have a limited amount of space or a pot that is less than 5 gallons (0. 67 cu ft), you should consider planting a determinate plant.

Adding rocks or gravel to the bottom of the pot has the added benefit of providing good drainage for the plant. [2] X Research source

For example, you can place the tomato pot against a retaining wall, fence, or trellis in your yard. Placing the pot against a solid surface can also protect it from the wind.

Placing a large cage, stake, or tripod around a very tiny plant can look a little funny at first. Just know that your plant will grow into the support system and will rely on it at is develops.

You also need to make sure that the legs of the cage are at least as long as the pot it tall. The goal is to have the legs of the cage reach the very bottom of the pot when they are inserted. If you are using a square pot, look for a square tomato cage. These are harder to find than round tomato cages, but are usually available at specialty nurseries and garden stores.

For example, for a typical tapered pot you should bend the bottom of the legs of the cage in towards each other a bit. The goal is to have the tips of the legs hit the bottom inner edge of the pot when the cage is inserted. Having the bottom ring of the cage touch the soil gives the cage more support. As the plant grows, the cage will be able to support the weight of the plant in any direction.

Start by cutting a piece of the wire mesh long enough to make a cylinder. The length you cut should make a cylinder the same diameter as the top of the pot. Then cut the bottom horizontal pieces so that you are left with long vertical wires that can be inserted into the soil. Finally, bend the piece into a cylinder. The seam where the 2 sides meet can be tied together with twine or rope.

Using one stake protects a young plant from being toppled over or broken off by strong winds or heavy rains. When inserting the stake, try not to damage the root ball of the plant. Gently insert the stake, and try another spot if you encounter a lot of resistance.

The tripod will support a large amount of weight as the tomatoes develop because the weight is distributed among the stakes.

For example, you can use squares of concrete reinforcing wire that are the same width as the pot. These could be held horizontally on stakes, so that the tomato plant would grow up through the holes. [8] X Research source You could also insert stakes around the inside edge of the pot and then tie rope or wire diagonally between the stakes. Use a piece of sturdy yard art or a small trellis you already have to support your potted tomato plant.

Use plant rope or ties that are made to tie up plants. These are available at home improvement and gardening stores. It is especially important to keep a potted tomato plant growing upright. If it leans too far over, it could topple the whole pot. If you see the middle stem leaning to the side, tie it to the support frame to straighten it out.

Tie the branches loosely. The branches will continue to grow in diameter, and tight ties can deter this growth. Large branches will get heavy and begin to sag, even if they are already supported part way down their length. Tie these long branches a second time back to the cage or the stakes when you notice this, as too much weight can break a branch off your plant. [11] X Research source

You can use bird netting to hold up individual tomatoes that you really don’t want to lose. This has the added benefit of protecting the fruit from animals that might want to eat it. [12] X Research source

One of the benefits of growing tomatoes in pots is that it cuts down on the number of pests that can damage your plants. If you put supports that touch the plant outside of the pot, just be aware that this may create a new way for pests to reach your tomatoes.