Staking involves pruning or suckering the plant to either one or two main stalks. Tomatoes grown without support develop a bush shape. However, if the plant is to be trellised or staked, it must be pruned to a single or double stalk. The small suckers which develop between the axil of the leaf and the stem are removed to develop a vine structure rather than a bush. A wooden stake an inch in diameter and six feet long is driven into the ground beside the plant. Do not damage the root system when inserting the stake in the ground. The stalk of the plant is loosely attached to the stake as the plant grows. The plant can be attached to the stake with twist-ties, soft string, strips of cloth, or pantyhose. The plant is sufficiently supported if it is attached to the stake at 12- to 14-inch intervals. Continue suckering to prevent the plant from developing more than one or two central stems. If a double-stalk plant is desired, leave the sucker produced above the first flower cluster, since it will be the most vigorous.
For more information read: Staking and Training Tomatoes.
