Florida Weave Tomato Support
A cheap, strong way to support a whole row of tomatoes with stakes and twine. Easier than cages and holds up to big plants.
Estimated cost
$20 – $40
Estimated time
30 – 45 minutes
Lifespan
3–5 years (twine is replaced each season)
Soil needed
None — supports existing plants
Weight empty
15–25 lbs per post set
Weight full
Adds 50–100 lbs of plant load
Best for
Indeterminate tomatoes, peppers, tall eggplants in rows
Placement
Drive posts at each end and every 4–5 ft in between. Install when plants are 12–18 inches tall.
Boards to Buy
| Boards to Buy | Quantity | What You Use Them For |
|---|---|---|
| 6 ft T-posts or 1.5-inch wooden stakes | 1 per 4–5 ft of row | End and intermediate posts |
| UV-resistant baling twine or tomato twine | 1 roll | Weaves between posts |
- ·Optional: rubber-coated wire ties for extra stem support
Steps
- 1Drive a post 8–10 inches deep at each end of the row and every 4–5 ft in between.
- 2When plants are 12–18 inches tall, tie twine to the end post about 8 inches above the ground.
- 3Run the twine down one side of the row, looping around each post.
- 4At the far end, weave back down the opposite side so each plant is sandwiched between two lines.
- 5Tie off at the starting post with enough tension to hold plants upright without cutting in.
- 6As plants grow, add a new weave every 8–10 inches of height.
- 7Tuck long tomato suckers inside the weave rather than letting them flop over.
Tools needed
- ·T-post driver or mallet
- ·Scissors or twine knife
Common mistakes to avoid
- ·Waiting too long — weaving tall plants breaks branches
- ·Using weak twine that snaps under fruit load
- ·Pulling the weave too tight and girdling stems
- ·Posts too far apart — the line sags
Maintenance tips
Add a new weave every 8–10 inches of growth. Check tension after storms.
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