String trellising, often called the Florida Weave or basket weave method, is a popular, economical technique used by commercial growers and home gardeners to provide vertical support for tomato plants. This system utilizes sturdy stakes and horizontal lines of twine to stabilize the plants as they grow upward. This approach manages the heavy foliage and fruit load of mature plants, ensuring a more productive and healthier growing season.
Suitability and Benefits of String Trellising
The choice of trellising method depends on the growth habit of the tomato variety. Tomato plants are classified as determinate or indeterminate. Determinate varieties grow to a set height, typically three to four feet, and produce fruit within a short time frame, suiting them for shorter weave systems. Indeterminate varieties continue to vine and set fruit until the first frost, often reaching heights between six and twelve feet, requiring more intensive staking.
While the Florida Weave is traditionally associated with shorter, determinate varieties, it is highly effective for indeterminate tomatoes when tall stakes (seven to eight feet) are used. Lifting the plant canopy off the ground significantly improves air circulation, which reduces humidity and lowers the risk of common fungal diseases like blight. Managing vertical growth also makes harvesting easier, as the fruit is more accessible and not resting on the soil. The lateral support prevents stems and branches from cracking under the increasing weight of the developing fruit. This row-based system is highly efficient, supporting a large number of plants quickly using minimal materials compared to individual staking or caging.
Essential Preparation and Materials
Gathering the correct materials ensures the stability of the final structure. The primary anchors for the system can be metal T-posts, thick rebar, or sturdy wooden stakes. For indeterminate plants, these supports should be seven to eight feet tall to accommodate the full seasonal growth.
The horizontal support requires durable twine that resists stretching and deterioration. While biodegradable jute or sisal twine allows for easy cleanup, synthetic baler twine or polypropylene is often preferred for its superior strength and longevity. Basic tools needed include a rubber mallet or sledgehammer for driving the posts and a measuring tape for alignment. The ideal time to implement this technique is when the tomato plants are young, typically between 12 and 18 inches tall.
Installing the Primary Support Structure
The first step involves securely setting the vertical anchors that will bear the tension of the weave. T-posts or stakes should be placed at each end of the tomato row, followed by intermediate posts spaced every ten to twelve feet. A common configuration is placing a stake between every two tomato plants, which are typically spaced two feet apart.
End posts bear the greatest load and must be driven securely into the ground, generally twelve to eighteen inches deep, to prevent leaning or pulling inward. Maintaining a straight line for the entire row is important, as misalignment reduces structural integrity and creates uneven tension. The goal is to leave a minimum of five to six feet of post above the soil line to ensure adequate support for the plant’s full vertical growth.
Executing the Weave: The Stringing Technique
The weaving process begins by anchoring the twine firmly to the base of the first end post, using a strong knot and wrapping the twine several times to secure the starting tension. The first layer of string should be placed low, approximately six to nine inches above the soil line, to provide immediate stabilization for the young plants. This initial placement is important for training the plant’s main stem.
The technique involves running the twine along one side of the tomato row, keeping the tension taut, and looping the twine around each intermediate stake. Once the end post is reached, the twine is wrapped tightly and immediately returned down the opposite side of the row. This traps the tomato plants between two parallel lines of twine, forming a supportive ‘basket’ that prevents lateral falling.
The figure-eight motion around the stakes ensures the plants are cradled and held upright. Consistent tension must be maintained throughout the process, as loose twine provides insufficient support and allows the heavy plants to sag. The completed first layer establishes the foundation for subsequent support, protecting the stems from wind and the weight of early fruit set.
Ongoing Vertical Growth and Maintenance
The string trellising system requires periodic attention to remain effective as the season progresses. New layers of twine must be added vertically as the plants gain height, typically every six to twelve inches. This continuous advancement ensures that the growing tips and developing fruit clusters are consistently supported within the weave. A new layer should be woven before the plant canopy reaches the height of the previous string to prevent the stem from bending over the existing support.
Managing the plant’s density is also important for the system’s success. Pruning small side shoots, known as suckers, helps manage overall growth by directing the plant’s energy toward fruit production. This maintenance reduces foliage mass, ensuring the weave system is not overburdened and that air circulation remains optimal.