Get a Big Harvest: 10 Tomato Trellis and Support Ideas

Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens, offering a delicious bounty that can be enjoyed fresh, canned, or in a variety of recipes. However, to achieve a big harvest, it's crucial to provide your tomato plants with the right support. Proper trellising not only helps maximize space but also improves air circulation, reduces disease, and makes harvesting easier.

In this article, we explore ten innovative and effective tomato trellis and support ideas. Whether you have a sprawling garden or a compact urban space, these solutions will help you get the most out of your tomato plants. From classic cages to creative DIY projects, there's a trellis idea here for every gardener.

The classic tomato cage is a tried-and-true method for supporting tomato plants. Typically made from sturdy wire, these cages are easy to find at garden centers and come in various sizes. A standard cage is about 4 feet tall and 18 inches in diameter, providing ample support for determinate tomato varieties.

To use a tomato cage, simply place it over the young plant shortly after transplanting. As the plant grows, guide the branches through the cage's openings to ensure even support. This method is ideal for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance option that requires minimal setup.

For a more natural and eco-friendly option, consider building a DIY bamboo trellis. Bamboo is a sustainable material that is both strong and lightweight, making it perfect for supporting tomato plants. To create a bamboo trellis, gather several bamboo poles, each about 6 to 8 feet tall.

Arrange the poles in a teepee or A-frame shape, securing the tops with twine or zip ties. Space the poles about 2 feet apart at the base to provide stability. As the tomato plants grow, tie the stems to the bamboo poles using soft garden ties to prevent damage.

An A-frame trellis offers robust support for tomato plants, especially indeterminate varieties that can grow quite tall. To construct an A-frame support, you'll need two wooden or metal frames, each about 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Connect the frames at the top with a hinge or a piece of rope to allow them to open and close.

Place the A-frame over the tomato plants, and use garden twine or netting to create a grid between the frames. This setup provides excellent support and allows for easy access to the plants for pruning and harvesting.

A vertical string trellis is a space-saving solution perfect for small gardens or urban settings. To set up a string trellis, install a sturdy horizontal beam or wire about 6 to 7 feet above the ground. This can be attached to existing structures like a fence or a pergola.

From the beam, hang strong garden twine or string down to each tomato plant, securing the bottom of the string to the base of the plant. As the tomatoes grow, gently wrap the stems around the string for support. This method encourages vertical growth and keeps the plants tidy.

The Florida weave technique is a popular method among commercial growers for supporting rows of tomato plants. This technique involves using stakes and twine to create a woven support system. Start by driving sturdy stakes into the ground at the end of each row and between every two or three plants.

Using garden twine, weave in and out between the plants, wrapping the twine around each stake as you go. Continue adding layers of twine as the plants grow, ensuring the stems are supported on both sides. This method is cost-effective and works well for large plantings.

A ladder-style trellis is both functional and decorative, providing excellent support for climbing tomato varieties. To build a ladder trellis, you'll need two tall stakes (about 6 to 8 feet) and several horizontal rungs made from wood or metal.

Space the rungs about 12 inches apart, attaching them securely to the stakes. Position the ladder trellis behind the tomato plants, and as they grow, tie the stems to the rungs using soft ties. This setup allows for easy access to the plants and can be a charming addition to your garden.

An archway trellis not only supports your tomato plants but also adds a stunning visual element to your garden. To create an archway trellis, use two sturdy metal or wooden arches, each about 7 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Install the arches over a garden path or between raised beds, and plant your tomatoes at the base of each arch. As the plants grow, guide the stems up and over the arch, securing them with garden ties. This setup creates a beautiful, lush canopy of tomato plants that is both functional and decorative.

Spiral tomato stakes are a unique and efficient way to support individual tomato plants. These stakes are typically made from metal and feature a spiral design that allows the plant to grow naturally without the need for additional ties.

To use a spiral stake, simply insert it into the ground next to the tomato plant. As the plant grows, gently guide the main stem into the spiral, allowing it to climb upwards. This method provides excellent support and is ideal for gardeners looking for a simple, no-fuss solution.

For gardeners with limited space, a wall-mounted trellis can be an excellent solution. This setup involves attaching a trellis directly to a wall or fence, allowing the tomato plants to grow vertically.

Choose a trellis material that suits your space, such as metal grid panels or wooden lattice. Secure the trellis to the wall using appropriate hardware, ensuring it is sturdy enough to support the weight of the plants. Plant your tomatoes at the base and use garden ties to train the stems up the trellis as they grow.

A PVC pipe trellis is a durable and customizable option for supporting tomato plants. To build a PVC trellis, you'll need several lengths of PVC pipe, connectors, and a saw for cutting the pipes to size.

Create a rectangular frame using the PVC pipes, with the vertical supports about 6 feet tall and the horizontal bars spaced about 18 inches apart. Assemble the frame using the connectors, and secure it in the ground behind your tomato plants. This lightweight and weather-resistant trellis can be easily disassembled and stored at the end of the season.

For an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, consider building a trellis from recycled materials. Items like old ladders, bed frames, or even bicycle wheels can be repurposed into creative and functional supports for tomato plants.

Look for sturdy materials that can withstand the weight of the plants and are resistant to weathering. Arrange the materials in a way that provides ample support and allows for easy access to the plants. This approach not only supports your tomatoes but also reduces waste and adds a unique touch to your garden.