Growing tomatoes up strings

[kathyd]

I've decided to try replacing canes with strings this year for my toms to grow up, but am not sure of the 'right' way to go about it. I read somewhere that you tie the string low down on the plant, and then twist the plant around it as it grows. I tied up 6 yesterday (fixed to an overhead wire), but am a bit worried that the string might damage the stem where it's tied and/or rubbing? Can anyone advise please?

[roitelet]

Thats the way to do it just dont tie the strings too tight to the plant the stems need room to swell.

[ukfapower]

Pegs and String

I had the same thought a couple of years ago. I either pegged the string firmly into the ground or tied the string to the top of the young plants "starter" cane. This saves damaging the stem.

In the odd case where a peg got knocked out, the plant went very squiffy and needed rescuing so I think it is important the string is fixed securely at both ends. I think I also allow a bit of slack (but not much) in the string to allow for twisting the plant around it.

[kathyd]

OK thanks guys - I just thought the string might bruise the stem where it's attached at the bottom, but I've left it suitably loose I think, and built in plenty of slack to use up as they grow. Fingers crossed for a summer now!

[rustylady]

Make sure the string you use is strong enough. I tried it one year and the whole lot collapsed cos the string broke. Tomato plants in full fruit are VERY heavy.

[Bigmallly]

If I use string, I secure it both at the top & bottom. The plant is then wound round the string, not tied.

[bearded bloke]

If I use string, I secure it both at the top & bottom. The plant is then wound round the string, not tied.

Similar except not fixed at the bottom,the string is looped around a piece of heavy box section steel which is laid on top of the growbag/row of pots ...............

[redser]

I used natural jute last year anbd some broke as the season wore on. Would only used man-made string that will not rot from now on.

[Scarlet]

I use string, tied loosely at the bottom in a figure of eight knot. I use that green synthetic gardening string ( not sure what it is made of) because it doesnt stretch or snap. I would prefer using bamboo canes but they cost a bomb when you need 50+!

[veggiechicken]

I use homegrown bamboo canes, attached to wire with strings going off in all directions for the side shoots that I miss
Wonder whether plastic coated wire (rotary line stuff) would do instead of string or canes for uprights

[Ananke]

I used string when I grew my toms in pots. Tied one end of the string to a nail and fed the other end through a hole in the bottom of the pot and the nail anchored it, filled the pot with compost and the plant and secured the other end of the string to an overhead wire. Loosely tied the plant to the string as it grew, worked great.

Now that i'm planting straight into the GH border I'm using canes and I don't think they are as good as the strings.

[BUFFS]

i was given some of that white "para" cord a few years ago and it is ideal for the toms support,each autumn it is put into hot water to sterilise it, ready for the next year and it doesnt seem to rot.....

[mrbadexample]

I use string but I don't tie it round the plant. I just wind the string round the stem to the bottom of the plant and it stays there.

[Dusty Rhodes]

The wind may influence your decision if you are tying them up outside. Also, birds sometimes go after your string at times for a nesting material. I'm not sure an overhead wire would support the weight of some large tomatoes without bowing downwards...a support post may be required in the centre.

Google "Florida Weave" (tomato trellis) for an alternative.

[tel]

strings

Another method is to make a ball of string and bury it under the plant before you plant it out then just run the string up along side the plant to what ever you are securing the string to at the top.I've always grown my toms up canes is there any advantage in growing up strings???