Trussing tomatoes: Essential tips for better growth and quality
Trussing tomatoes is not only a technique to support plant growth but also a method to improve fruit quality. Discover why it's beneficial to truss tomatoes and how to do it effectively.
Trussing tomatoes is a vital part of their cultivation that offers numerous advantages. Firstly, trussed plants are less susceptible to diseases because the fruits do not touch the ground, reducing the risk of fungal infections. Additionally, trussed tomatoes receive better exposure to light, promoting even ripening.
Moreover, trussing tomatoes prevents the plants from breaking under the weight of the fruit or during 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 to 40 centimetres or when they begin 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 delay for too long, as larger plants may be more difficult to truss.
How to truss tomatoes in the ground?
What should be used for trussing tomatoes? To effectively truss tomatoes in the ground, start by choosing the appropriate method – stake, cage, or twine – and gather 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.
In the case of a cage, place it around the seedling immediately after planting, and the shoots will naturally lean on the bars. When using twine attached to a support, gently wrap it around the stem as it grows, guiding it upwards.
Regularly check the plants and truss new shoots every few days, ensuring not to damage the stems or leaves. Remember that the supports and ties should be adjusted to the type of tomato – some more lush varieties may require stronger structures.
Avoid using wire or other hard materials that can cut the stems and harm the plants. Make sure to regularly inspect the condition of the ties and adjust them according to the growth of the plants.
Common mistakes when trussing
There are several common mistakes that can occur when trussing tomatoes. One of them is tying the supports too tightly, which can damage the stems. Another mistake is trussing too late, making the process more challenging and potentially leading to plant breakage.
To avoid these issues, it's worth regularly checking the ties and adjusting them to the growth of the plants. Remember that trussing is a process requiring patience and attention, but it leads to healthy and plentiful crops.
