If your tomato plants are starting to sprawl, learning how to make tomato stakes is a simple weekend project. A good stake keeps your plants healthy and makes harvesting a breeze, and you can often build them with materials you already have.
Using stakes is one of the most effective ways to support your tomato plants. It improves air circulation, reduces disease, and keeps your precious fruit off the ground. Best of all, DIY stakes are cost-effective and can be reused for many seasons.
How to Make Tomato Stakes
This guide covers several simple methods. The best choice for you depends on your tomato variety and garden style. We’ll start with the most common and simple approach: the single wooden stake.
Why Staking Beats Cages (Often)
Many gardeners use cages, but stakes offer more control. You can tie the main stem as it grows, ensuring a straight, upright plant. This is especially important for indeterminate varieties that grow all season. Staking also takes up less space in a small garden.
It’s easier to spot pests and problems on a staked plant. The fruit is more accessible, and you won’t have to reach into a thorny cage. For larger heirloom tomatoes, this method provides superior support.
Method 1: The Classic Wooden Stake
This is the simplest and most traditional method. You’ll need a sturdy, rot-resistant piece of wood. Cedar, redwood, or even pressure-treated pine are good options.
Materials & Tools Needed
- 1×2 or 2×2 lumber, 6-8 feet long
- Hand saw or power saw
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Measuring tape
- Optional: exterior wood sealant
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut to Size: Decide on your hight. For most tomatoes, a 6-foot stake is ideal. Cut your lumber to this length.
- Sharpen One End: Taper one end of the stake to a point. This makes it much easier to drive into the ground. A hand plane or even a sharp hatchet works for this.
- Smooth the Edges: Use sandpaper to smooth any rough spots or splinters. This protects your hands and the plant stems.
- Apply Sealant (Optional): Brush on a coat of wood sealant. This extends the life of the stake by preventing rot. Let it dry completely.
- Install: When planting your tomato, drive the stake about 12 inches into the soil, 4-6 inches away from the plant’s base. Avoid damaging the roots.
Method 2: Upcycled & Bamboo Stakes
Don’t have lumber? Look around. Bamboo garden stakes are inexpensive and work well for determinate tomatoes. You can also upcycle old broom handles, metal conduit, or even sturdy branches from pruning.
The process is similar. Ensure the material is strong enough to hold a laden plant. For bamboo, bundling two or three together with zip ties adds strength. Always blunt any sharp metal edges on upcycled materials.
How to Properly Tie Your Tomatoes
Tying is crucial. You must support the plant without strangling it. Use a soft, stretchy material that won’t cut into the stem as it grows.
Best Tying Materials
- Cloth strips (from old t-shirts)
- Jute or garden twine
- Specialty tomato ties or velcro loops
- Never use wire or thin string directly on the stem.
The Right Tying Technique
- Start tying when the plant is about 12 inches tall.
- Create a loose loop around the stem, just below a branch.
- Make a firm knot or tie around the stake itself.
- Check ties every 1-2 weeks and loosen them if needed. Add new ties as the plant grows, every 6-12 inches.
A common mistake is tying to tight. The stem should be able to move a little and have room to thicken. If you see the tie digging in, it’s time to adjust it.
Method 3: The Sturdy T-Post System
For a whole row of tomatoes or heavier plants, T-posts and wire create a professional system. It’s more work upfront but very durable.
Setup Guide
- Drive 6-foot T-posts into the ground at each end of your tomato row. They should be about 2 feet deep.
- Add posts in the middle if your row is longer than 8 feet.
- Attach a heavy-gauge wire or sturdy nylon cord horizontally along the top of the posts.
- For each plant, drop a vertical string from the top wire down to the base of the tomato.
- As the plant grows, gently twist it around the vertical string. This is called the “Florida Weave” method.
This system is excellent for community gardens because it’s so tough. The materials last for years and can support a heavy harvest.
Common Staking Mistakes to Avoid
- Stake Too Late: Install the stake at planting time. Adding it later risks damaging the root system.
- Weak Material: A flimsy stake will snap under the weight of a wet, fruit-filled plant. Test it’s strength by pushing on it.
- Insufficient Depth: A stake that’s not driven deep enough will wobble and loosen. Aim for at least 1 foot in the ground.
- Forgetting to Tie: The plant won’t just grow up the stake on it’s own. You need to guide and secure it regularly.
Seasonal Care and Storage
At the end of the season, pull your stakes. Clean off all the old soil and plant debris with a stiff brush. A quick wash with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) kills any lingering disease spores.
Let them dry completely before storing. Keep wooden stakes in a dry, covered area like a shed or garage. Proper care means your DIY stakes will support many harvests to come, making this a very worthwhile project.
FAQ: Your Tomato Staking Questions Answered
What is the best height for a tomato stake?
For indeterminate tomatoes, use a 6 to 8-foot stake. Determinate varieties often do well with a 4 to 5-foot stake. Always err on the side of taller.
Can I use tomato cages instead of stakes?
Cages work for smaller, bushier determinate tomatoes. For large, vining indeterminate plants, stakes or a trellis system usually provide better, more customizable support.
How do I stake tomatoes already planted?
Be careful! Insert the stake at least 12 inches away from the main stem to minimize root disturbance. Angle it slightly away from the plant if you need to avoid a large root. Tie the plant gently to the stake.
What can I use if I don’t have tomato stakes?
Get creative. Sturdy branches, old PVC pipes, or even a section of wire fencing leaned against a wall can work as temporary support. The key is stability and not damaging the plant.
How many stakes per tomato plant?
Usually, one sturdy stake per plant is sufficient. For very heavy-yielding plants or in windy areas, using two stakes crossed at the top for extra support can be a smart idea.