Maximize your tomato harvest: The art of effective trussing
Trussing tomatoes is not just a technique to support plant growth but also a way to enhance fruit quality. Discover why it's worthwhile to truss tomatoes and how to do it effectively.
Trussing tomatoes is an essential part of their cultivation that offers numerous benefits. Firstly, trussed plants are less susceptible to diseases because the fruits don’t touch the ground, which reduces the risk of fungal infections. Trussed tomatoes also have better access to light, promoting even ripening.
Furthermore, trussing tomatoes prevents the plants from breaking under the weight of the fruit or due to heavy rain or strong winds.
When to truss tomatoes?
The best time to truss tomatoes is when the plants reach a height of about 30-40 centimetres or when they start to topple over. However, remember that this timing can vary depending on weather conditions and the growth rate of the plants. It's important not to wait too long, as larger plants may be more challenging to truss.
How to truss tomatoes in the ground?
What materials are best for trussing tomatoes? To effectively truss tomatoes in the ground, start by selecting the appropriate method—stake, cage, or twine—and preparing the necessary materials such as soft string, fabric strips, or special tomato clips. If you opt for a stake, drive it firmly into the ground next to the seedling, then loosely wrap the stem with string and tie it to the stake, leaving some slack for growth.
For a cage, place it around the seedling immediately after planting, and the shoots will naturally lean on the bars. Using twine attached to a support, gently wrap it around the stem as it grows, guiding it upwards.
Check the plants regularly and trim new shoots every few days, taking care not to damage the stems or leaves. Remember that the supports and ties should be adjusted to the type of tomato—some more robust varieties may require stronger structures.
Avoid using wire or other hard materials to cut the stems and damage the plants. Make sure to regularly check the condition of the ties and adjust them as the plants grow.
Common mistakes when trussing
Several common mistakes can be made when trussing tomatoes. One is tying the supports too tightly, which can damage the stems. Another is trussing too late, making the process more challenging and increasing the risk of plant breakage.
To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to check the ties regularly and adjust them according to the plants' growth. Remember that trussing is a task that requires patience and attention but results in healthy and abundant crops.
