| I have a 3'x8'raised bed. I planted 3 tomatoes across; they were too big. Shall I plant 2? The Fl weave says a stake every 2 plants-can I stake between each plant? Also, what about all the branches that don't line up? Should I put stakes to weave the opposite direction also (like this + ) |
| As you've discovered, indeterminate tomato plants grow quite large and need to be staked. Determinate type tomato plants remain bushy and don't need staking so if space is a problem, try planting determinate tomatoes (check the plant tag). The major difference between indeterminate and determinate tomato plants is that determinate types ripen all at once (great for canning) where indeterminate types will continue to grow, flower and produce fruit all summer long. If you decide to grow the large, indeterminate tomato plants, use two plants in your raised bed and use one stake per plant. As the plant grows gently tie the main stems to the stake for support. It's okay if the branches are not supported. They will hang downwards with the weight of ripening fruit. Or, you can place 3 stakes in the bed and secure wires between the stakes. This way you can tie the main stems to the closest stakes or wires and tie each of the long branches to a nearby wire or stake. |
