Staking tomato plants continued

4. When the tomato plants have grown to almost a foot tall, and before they fall over, the process of stringing the plants should begin. Carefully bring the string in front of the first plant next to the stake, then behind the second plant.

5. Pull the string tight and loop it around the next stake once. Be gentle with the tender plants.

6. Proceed to the next set of plants in the row, repeating steps 4 and 5, keeping the string parallel to the ground.

7. Now the stringing will be repeated on the opposite side of the row. Weave the string around the first plant. The string will actually be on the opposite side of the plant from the initial stringing. Tie-off and then cut your twine. Don’t pull this side too tight, or you’ll break the plants.

8. Tie the end of the string to the stake at the end of the row about 8 inches off the ground.

9. You are now ready for your next row.

You are sandwiching the plants between two walls or baskets of twine. This will keep the plants upright and keep them from cascading out into the rows. Approximately each week, the stringing process is repeated at about 10 inches higher up the stakes.

Tomato plants are much easier to support by the Florida weave system if they have been suckered. Suckering is the process of removing the stems that sprout in the joints of branches.

Determinate tomato varieties accept the Florida weave staking more readily than the indeterminate plants that can get exceptionally tall and very heavy when loaded with fruit. Consider using taller stakes for the indeterminate varieties. Our heavy winds will add to the stress of the staking. Take a look at this YouTube video to see the basket weave in action: Maine Cooperative Extension – How to Grow Tomatoes Basket Weave.

The Florida weave process works best if started shortly after the time your tomato plants are transplanted into the spring garden. At this time of year, July, many of us have reached a point of frustration with the general trellising systems we had at hand. Save this article for next year and try the Florida basket weave system.

For answers to gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant-Adams Extension office at 509-754-2011, Ext. 4313 or email your gardening questions to ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu. Visit our web page at grant-adams.wsu.edu. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.