Tomato Staking Update
I previously discussed the cheap method I was utilizing for the purpose of staking indeterminate tomatoes. In case you haven’t followed, the first part of this process is here. Well, my tomatoes have gotten huge and some are already 4′ tall since I planted them from seed in the first part of the year. In addition to tying them directly to the conduit, I discovered an easy method for facilitation of additional support. Seen here in the picture, I have simply drilled small holes about every 2-3′ (as needed) and I have placed a small finishing nail through the hole. This conduit drills very easily.
I then put a little tape around the nail to keep it from sliding through, and voila! I now have a stable support which will support the weight of the developing branches and fruit (which are getting very heavy!). Notice that for tying, I took some old material and started a cut about 1.5″ wide. I then just start ripping the material, as it parts evenly all along the length. This additional drilling and tying process only took me about 1 hour.
Pictured here is a sample of the production I am already seeing on my tomato plants. As I mentioned previously, one thing that I am doing is heavily pruning out the bottom sections of plant growth. This will help prevent disease and pests, allow air flow, and allow me to keep a better eye on the tomatoes. I will be posting more pictures soon of amazing results that I am seeing by using all natural techniques (and not one ounce of commercial fertilizer!).
Oh also, the temporary blossom drop which I wrote about has ceased and all of my tomatoes now appear to be setting. Seen here is one of my Black Krim heirloom tomatoes which was loosing blossoms. Though it may be hard to see in the picture, there are now about 25 tomatoes on this 3′ plant. Also, you can see an example of what I described above in attempting to keep the bottom part of the plant pruned free of vegetation.
