What are Tomato Stakes?
Tomato stakes are stakes which are used to support tomato plants while they grow. Using stakes prevents rot, mold, and mildew in the tomatoes, and also makes it easier to manage and harvest the plants. In addition to stakes, gardeners can also use trellises and cages, depending on personal taste and tomato varietal. Some gardeners prefer to allow their tomatoes to sprawl out across the ground, a technique which can make management of the tomato plants difficult. Typically, tomato stakes are made from wood or metal, although plastics can be used as well. The stake needs to be sturdy enough to support the weight of a tomato plant and its fruit. Stakes are placed around a week after the tomatoes are planted, with enough breathing room to allow the plant to mature around the stake. As the tomato grows, the gardener ties it to the stake, and pinches off branching growths to encourage the tomato plant to develop a vine-line growth habit as it climbs the stake. One of the most important reaso
