Tomato Trellis support

April 28, 2008 Ben DIY, Garden

It’s tomato time again and the seedlings that I prepared in the post Grow Tomatoes from Seed in the pots that I prepared in the Newspaper Pots have grown into the planting stage.

One of my cherry tomatoes is growing slowly, but happily, in the open garden bed while the pride of my seedlings (the big truss tomato) is in a large 75 liter pot in full sun and has tomatoes as big as grapes already!

I’ve got one more plant to put into the garden and I will be experimenting with a new Trellis support for it.
In the past I’ve used stakes, cages and other various support methods, but after doing some research I’ve decided to combine the best ideas from a couple of them and make my own.

Here are some of the best systems that I found on the net:
Simple Garden Trellis
Tomato Tee Pee – The Suburban Farm
Tomato Support Ideas

My biggest problem is subterranean termites, should I put any wood into the ground and keep the soil moist (as a tomato needs) they will be sure to invade and eat my trellis.

As you can see in the photo, I’ve adapted the garden trellis to be built from two steel poles I recycled from my neighbors bird cage and pieces of garden hose that had a hole in it.

After banging the poles in on an angle and leaning them against the fence, I used tie wire to connect the hose across the poles.

As the tomato plant grows up through the trellis the hose will support any branches. Any strays will get trained onto the trellis or cut off. I will also be able to tie any branches onto the hose or posts.
Behind the ‘ladder’ is a mesh fence, this will also help to keep the plant supported.

Next year I hope to put a whole row of tomato bushes in. I will probably work something along this theme, but it will be longer and able to cater for more than one plant.

Tags: tomato, trellis, gardening, vegetable