How to Tie Tomatoes to Stakes

Make sure your tomatoes are planted in an area which receives full sun throughout the day. When planting in the ground, choose a location close to a fence, trellis or deck. If you are using containers to grow tomatoes, make sure the container is big enough, and deep enough, to support the root structure of the plant once if grows.

Use stakes which are 3 to 8 feet tall. Make sure the stake is made of sturdy wood or heavy plastic. Insert each stake in to the ground to a depth of 1 to 2 feet to provide additional support. Place one stake per tomato plant approximately 2 to 4 inches away. Make sure the stake is close enough to the stalk of the tomato plant, so you will not need to bend the plant to the stake to tie it up properly.

Place stakes beside each plant as soon as you pot or put the plant in the ground. If growing tomato plants from seed, place the stake in the ground as soon as the tomato plant is 4 to 6 inches tall. You need to stake tomato plants when they are young to avoid piercing roots once the plant has grown. You need to have tomato plants tied up once flowers appear on the plant.

Tie the tomato plant to the stake by using material such as cut-up pantyhose, strips of cloth or stretchy gauze. Cut the material into 3-inch wide-strips that are 12 inches in length. Secure the main stalk to the stake by wrapping the fabric once around the stem and then tying a knot. Repeat the process up the entire length of the plant, tying the plant every 12 inches.

Check the plant on a daily basis, and replace any ties which have frayed or ripped. You may need to tie up other stems once the tomatoes start growing. Use the same materials and tie the stems to the main stake.