FRUGAL tip for staking tomatoes

[Liberty7]

As we all know, tomato cages just don't cut it, especially when we're dealing with indeterminate tomato varieties.

So, I went to my nearby Lowe's to buy some wooden stakes to support my tomato plants as they grow 'IN' the cages. I even put in 5 nails, at different spacings, in each stake to securely attach the plant to the stake as it grows.

Anyway, I was in Lowe's garden section, and they had 6 ft., 1/2" x 1/2 " stakes that they were selling for something like $6.95/each!"
(I DON'T THINK SO -- especially since I've got '28' tomato plants!!!!!!) So, I went to the lumber section and bought 1-1/2" by 8 ft. pieces of wood for ONLY $0.62/each!!!!! I did cut off a foot so that 6 feet is still ABOVE ground for these indeterminates (AND, in order to 'reach' to pound them in the ground!)

 

[lesa]

Good for you! It really makes me mad, when they are so obviously ripping us off!!! Now, you will be all set...Happy bargain hunting and gardening!

 

[Texan]

I build bird houses and garden furniture. I use the same material to build little tomato trelisis (sp?). Dont cost me any money at all as I use reclaimed privacy fence. Well, I guess there is the cost of the nails.

 

[Ridgerunner]

It certainly pays to shop around. I noticed that decent 2x4's are cheaper than rough warped 2x2's at Lowe's.

 

[HiDelight]

good deal! I grow bamboo then thin it for the garden trellis and bean poles ... but I have no creative ability when it comes to making pretty things for my tomatoes and beans to grow on ..so I just make a sturdy mess of poles and string..and let the vines cover it

I call it "rustic" design

post pictures if you can I would like to see how you stake up your tomatoes

 

[jamespm_98]

I ran into the same issue and couldn't afford cages so I did the same thing. I purchased 8 2"X2"s and need to purchase more, but they work great.

 

[davaroo]

I make it a point to spend as little money as possible in the bgarden. Im eyeing a nearby stand of bamboo this year for a trellis framework.

 

[Beekissed]

I'm recycling some chain link fencing that someone gave me. Its sturdy and I can tie maters on either side. If I want to move it, I will just knock out the posts and drag it to another bed for a crop rotation next year.