Staking tomatoes?

[simpsongal]

What's your preferred method?  I grew up using cages but I was thinking of doing stakes instead -- particularly since my cages are a little short.  Time is of the essence b/c my plants are already starting to slump down.

[mrsreynolds4]

I do a combination. I stake them, and end up tying some of the stakes to these big wooden rectangular stands (6 plants each) DH made me because between the weight & the crazy wind, some fell over the first year.

If I'm good, I typically string twine horizontally along the stands too and attach some of the large branches as I prune.

[NitaX]

Cages for me. Staking doesn't always work for me. But, that may be because I'm lazy and don't remove suckers.

[Susie]

I buy 1x2's at Lowe's and stake using those. I sharpen the end with a hatchet, and pound them in w/ a sledge hammer. It's a little laborious, but then they're good for the long haul. I get a couple years out of a set of stakes.

If you have an indeterminate variety, those green plastic-coated metal "tomato stakes" that they sell are woefully insufficient.

[pamela]

We did an arch between 2 beds and trained the tomatoes to that. Just a stake won't do anything to support the branches. Large cages may work for determinate varieties in cooler climates with shorter seasons. I've also used the variety that has 3 stakes with adjustable cross-supports. Down here 6'+ tomato plants aren't uncommon so cages don't come close.

[simpsongal]

I staked and caged some for now, but I think something heavier duty will be necessary.

I'm behind on pruning & pinching thanks to wicked morning sickness