Tomato Staking

• Tomatoes require staking for a number of reasons. These plants are prone to soil-borne pests and diseases and produce their healthiest fruit with elevation over the soil. Both vines and fruit require bright sun and good air movement for growth. Staking tomato vines exposes them to better supplies of sunshine and air.
  
  

Timing

• Put the trellis or cage system up at planting. Staking at planting means easier construction, with loose, tilled earth and immediate training. The Oregon State University Extension Service recommends staking the plants as early as possible for the easiest training.
  
  

Build the Cage

• Slide three pieces of the pipe into the soil around each seedling. Use 3- to 5-foot-long lengths of pipe and leave 6 inches of space around each seedling. Use the PVC pipes as stakes for the plants or build a fuller cage by wrapping lengths of 8- to 11-gauge wire around the stake system.
  
  

Tying and Training

• Tomatoes cannot cling and climb on their own; they require additional support. Tie the vines and stems up to the pieces of PVC and any wire in the system. The Oregon State University Extension Service recommends tying the main stem and two strong shoots to the stakes and then pruning away any other shoots. Use strips of fabric, twine or cord for the ties and keep them loose; tight loops cut into plant matter and can damage it.