Stake tomatoes with the Florida weave

30 minutes, then a few minutes a week · Easy · 6 steps

Posts and twine hold a whole row of tomatoes upright, faster and cheaper than cages.

The Florida weave: tomatoes from the front, and the twine's path from above
FrontFrom above2 ft6–8 in12345

Fig. The Florida weave: tomatoes from the front, and the twine's path from above.

  1. A post between every two plants
  2. The first line about 8 inches up; a new one every 6 to 8 inches
  3. The twine runs along one side of two plants
  4. Loop once around each post
  5. On the way back, it runs along the other side

What you'll need

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You'll also need

  • A post driver or a heavy mallet

Steps

  1. Plant tomatoes in a single row, about 2 feet apart.
  2. Drive a post in at each end of the row, and another between every two plants.
  3. When the plants are about a foot tall, tie twine to the end post, about 8 inches off the ground.
  4. Run the twine along one side of the first two plants, loop it once around the next post, then along the other side of the next two plants. Weave the whole row.
  5. At the far end, wrap the post and come back the other way, so each plant is held between two strands.
  6. Add a new line of twine every 6 to 8 inches as the plants grow.

Tips

  • Keep the twine tight: loose lines let plants sag.
  • It works best for determinate (bush) tomatoes. Tall indeterminate ones may need posts 7 to 8 feet tall.
  • Call 811 before driving posts, so buried lines get marked.

Use it in Planting Year