Begin supporting tomatoes once they have set the first flower clusters, or when they are at least 12” tall.If you intend to keep the tomatoes growing for several months, specialized rollers and hooks are available to hold a length of twine at the top of the support, so that you can increase the length of twine and lower the plants gradually as they grow. Cut pieces of twine the length of the distance between the overhead support and the ground.If the tunnel frame is supporting the weight of the crop, it is important that it is strong enough to do this. This can be a heavy-gauge wire or metal conduit, but consider that each plant may weigh 30 lbs or more at peak fruit set, so be sure that it is secured firmly and can support this weight. Establish a strong overhead support at least 8’ above each row of tomatoes.This system is more labor-intensive than the basket weave system, but it results in sustained yields over a longer period of time. in high tunnels), where overhead support infrastructure already exists. It is best suited to tomatoes grown indoors (e.g. The overhead trellis system is appropriate for indeterminate varieties. The basket weave is best suited to determinate varieties, but can be used for indeterminate varieties if the tops are trimmed once they reach the top of the stakes. At that point, cut the tops off of indeterminate tomatoes to maintain a tidy hedge and to prevent the row from becoming top-heavy. Indeterminate varieties will reach and exceed the top of the stakes.Leave the sucker just below the first flower cluster (remove all other suckers below that one), and allow all suckers above the first flower cluster to grow. Removing suckers (new shoots that develop in the leaf axils) reduces potential yields, but increases airflow.Four layers of twine will support most varieties. As plants grow, weave another layer of twine every 6-8 inches to keep plants well supported. After reaching the end stake, weave twine back up the row in the opposite direction, alternating with the first strand so each plant stem has a twine on both sides, holding it up. Weave twine in a figure eight pattern between tomato plants, wrapping twice around each stake down the row.
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