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Tomato String Trellis: Growing Tomatoes Vertically

Did you know that the average American household consumes over 22 pounds of tomatoes annually? Yet, many gardeners struggle to maximize their tomato harvests due to limited garden space. What if I told you there’s a simple solution that can help you grow more tomatoes in less area? Introducing the tomato string trellis. Your key to unlocking the full potential of your tomato plants!

Tomato trellis system for tomatoes growing inside a hoop house.

Using a Tomato String Trellis

Here in the far north of Idaho, we have to employ our best tricks to extend the growing season if we want to grow a year’s worth of food.

Tomatoes are a crop that will not survive a frost. We are growing tomatoes in a colder climate, so one of our tricks is to start our seeds indoors and transplant our tomato seedlings into our hoop-house-style greenhouse. 

Building a hoop house has been a game changer in protecting our crops from extreme weather, and incorporating a tomato string trellis has additionally given us the advantage of producing delicious, vine-ripened tomatoes to preserve and enjoy all year long. Here are our favorite ways to preserve tomatoes:

If the fall frost is threatening your green tomatoes, you can check out this post on how to ripen green tomatoes indoors for fresh eating well into the winter months, or try making some delicious green tomato salsa.

Multiple tomato plants growing inside a hoop house.

What Is a Tomato String Trellis

A tomato string trellis is a simple and effective way to grow tomatoes vertically. It consists of a series of parallel strings or wires that support the tomato plants as they grow, allowing them to climb upwards. 

The use of a tomato string trellis provides numerous benefits for tomato growers: 

  • Grow Healthier Plants – By training your plants to grow tall, you can improve air circulation around the foliage, reducing the risk of common tomato diseases like fungal infections and bacterial blights. 
  • Increased Yield – Vertical growth frees up valuable garden space, enabling you to grow more tomato plants in a smaller area. 
  • Earlier Ripening – When the tomato plant grows upright, the fruit has more access to light, allowing them to ripen faster.
  • Enhanced Flavor – When properly pruned, more nutrients are available to the fruit, maximizing its flavor.
  • Ease of Harvest – Because the tomatoes are up off the ground, they are easier to access come harvest time.
Twine wrapped around the stem of a tomato plant for trellising.

Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes

When it comes to vertical tomato gardening, understanding the differences between determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties is crucial. 

Determinate tomatoes, also known as “bush” tomatoes, have a finite growth habit and typically reach a specific height before producing fruit. Determinate tomatoes are best supported using the basket weave system (aka Florida weave), tomato cages, or two cattle panels spaced about six inches apart to “sandwich” the tomato plant for support.

In contrast, indeterminate tomatoes, or “vining” tomatoes, continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season, often requiring more extensive support from a trellis.

Knowing the characteristics of the types of tomatoes can help you select the most appropriate varieties for your vertical gardening setup and optimize your tomato harvest. 

Determinate tomatoes may be better suited for smaller spaces or container gardening, while indeterminate varieties often thrive when given the opportunity to climb and spread out on a sturdy trellis system.

A man leaning over planting a tomato plant into the garden.

Tomato String Trellis Variations

You can consider several variations of the basic tomato string trellis to suit your gardening preferences and needs. Each offers its own unique benefits, so you can choose the one that best fits your garden space and growing objectives.

  • Vertical Trellis – The vertical trellis is the most straightforward design and our top pick. The parallel strings or wires run vertically to support your tomato plants. This classic approach is easy to set up and works well in small spaces. We use these Roller Hooks for Tomato and Vine Crop Trellisses, making this method even simpler.
  • Inverted V – The inverted V-shaped trellis creates a triangular structure that can provide more stability and support for larger indeterminate tomato varieties.
  • T-post Trellis – This system uses sturdy T-posts as the main supports, with horizontal wires or strings running between them to hold the tomato vines. 
  • Diagonal Trellis – The diagonal trellis is another creative option, with crisscrossing strings or wires that form a lattice-like structure. 

Ultimately, the tomato trellis variations you choose will depend on factors such as your available garden space, the size and growth habits of your tomato plants, and your personal aesthetic preferences. 

Tomato trellis system for tomatoes growing inside a hoop house.

Setting Up A Tomato String Trellis

  • Choose the Right Material – The trellis string you choose should be able to withstand the weight of the tomato plants as they grow. It should also be able to withstand the elements, as the tomato string trellis will be exposed to the outdoor environment. Nylon and polypropylene are popular choices because they are strong, durable, and resistant to weathering. Natural fibers like jute or hemp can also work well, though they may require more frequent replacement. Homesteading Hack: Do not choose wire to string tomatoes, as this material will heat up in the sunlight and can burn your plants.
  • Ideal Trellis Height – Factors such as tomato variety, climate, and growing conditions will all play a role in determining the optimal trellis height for your garden. As a general guideline, most tomato trellises are built between 4 and 8 feet tall, with the average height being around 6 feet.
  • Optimal Spacing – Most experts recommend spacing the trellis lines 24 to 36 inches apart. However, because plants are being pruned back, you can plant them closer than the recommended distance. 12-18 inches is ideal. Homesteading Hack: Since you’re training the tomatoes to grow up, this is a great opportunity for interplanting peppers alongside the tomatoes.
Tomatoes growing on a vine in multiple stages of ripeness.

Caring for Trellised Tomatoes

Once your tomato string trellis is in place, it’s time to focus on training your tomato plants to grow vertically along the trellis lines. This process involves gently guiding the vines and tying them to the trellis using soft plant ties or clips. 

Techniques for Training Vines

As your tomato plants begin to grow, regularly check the vines and gently guide them to the trellis strings or wires. Use soft, flexible plant ties, jute tied loosely or clips to keep the vines in place, careful not to damage the delicate stems. This process should be done regularly, as the plants can quickly grow and become unruly if left untrained.

In addition to tying the vines, you can also consider using a “suckering” technique to further train the plants. Suckers are the small shoots that appear in the leaf axils, and by removing them, you can direct the plant’s energy into producing larger, higher-quality fruit instead of foliage.

Green tomatoes growing in the garden.

Pruning for Better Fruit Production

Consistent pruning is also important to maintaining a healthy, productive tomato trellis. By removing excess foliage and suckers, you can optimize the plant’s energy allocation, resulting in larger, more flavorful tomatoes. Carefully prune away any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems, as well as any competing suckers that emerge.

Remember, the key to successful tomato trellis pruning is to strike a balance between maintaining adequate foliage for photosynthesis and directing the plant’s resources toward fruit production. With some practice and attention, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious, vine-ripened tomatoes.

A man holding a handful of finished compost.

Watering and Fertilizing Tips

When it comes to watering your trellised tomatoes, be mindful that the trellis can affect soil moisture levels. The increased airflow around the plants may cause the soil to dry out more quickly, requiring you to water more frequently. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants can also help retain moisture.

Fertilizing your tomatoes on a trellis is equally important. The vertical growth habit and increased fruit production can quickly deplete the soil’s nutrient reserves. Supplementing with organic compost or aged manure can provide a slow-release boost of essential nutrients.

Tomato hornworm on a tomato plant.

Pest and Disease Management

The open, airy structure of a tomato trellis can actually help reduce the risk of certain diseases, as it promotes better air circulation and sunlight penetration. 

However, you’ll still need to monitor your plants for pests and other potential problems vigilantly. Keep an eye out for common tomato pests like aphids, hornworms, and spider mites, and address any issues promptly with organic, eco-friendly control methods.

Additionally, tomatoes are more susceptible to fungal diseases like early blight, late blight, or Septoria leaf spot. Regularly inspecting your plants and quickly removing any affected foliage can help prevent the spread of these diseases. Homesteading Hack: Do not compost any diseased plant matter, you want to dispose of it away from the garden, and wash any tools or gardening gloves that touched the diseased plants to avoid spreading.

Multiple tomato plants growing inside a hoop house.

More Gardening Tips & Tricks

Utilizing the tomato string trellis is just one way to get the most out of your garden. Our homesteading journey has led us to pick up many tips and tricks that we enjoy passing along to you. The most critical principle we have learned is that growing healthy food begins with healthy soil.

So what makes healthy soil, and what can you do to improve yours? We’re glad you asked! In this FREE download, you will learn the six essentials of healthy soil and five steps toward a healthy garden. Sign up to receive instant access and enjoy a healthy and productive garden this year!

A finished hoop house or bean tunnel with crops growing up the sides and on the ground inside the tunnel.
A man and wife smiling.

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Josh and Carolyn bring you practical knowledge on how to Grow, Cook, Preserve and Thrive on your homestead, whether you are in a city apartment or on 40 acres in the country. If you want to increase your self-sufficiency and health be sure to subscribe for helpful videos on gardening, preserving, herbal medicine, traditional cooking and more.

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