How do I use my tomato trellis and other gardening questions...

**nuisance26** · 05-27-2011, 02:09 PM

~I already returned the SFG book to the library so I don't even remember if they covered how to use the trellis I built.
I'm having 4 Big Boy tomatoes(indeterminate) use the trellis. I do know to pinch off suckers and the bottom branches. They each have about 3-4 sets of branches, is that ok? Less? More?
What I don't know is if I'm supposed to weave the plant through the net or just tie it to it. Does anyone know? How high should I let it grow up the trellis before letting it fruit?
Also, I've been pinching off suckers on my Roma tomatoes(determinant bush)but not any branches. Should I be?
And should I be pruning my pepper plants too?
TIA!~

**frugalwarrior2** · 05-27-2011, 04:55 PM

No on the peppers. Just take the end flowers so the rest will get all the energy.

I let my tomatoes keep growing. I am confused about taking off branches? Are you using a net like volleyball? Need more explanation please.

**Spirit Deer** · 05-27-2011, 08:38 PM

We never prune tomatoes, but maybe we're doing it wrong.

I cut old tee shirts into strips and use those to tie the tomatoes to a fence. The fabric is soft so it doesn't damage the plants.

**nuisance26** · 05-27-2011, 08:49 PM

~There's a picture of the trellis in my DIY album. It's a soccer net on a metal frame. The SFG book talks about pruning off the branches so that the plant grows 6 feet taller or more. But I don't remember what they said about how to use the trellis and there weren't any pictures.~

**Spirit Deer** · 05-27-2011, 10:29 PM

I think if you tried to weave the plants into the net, you'd just break off the stalks. The main ways I know of are to tie them to a support, such as a fence or your net, or use tomato cages of various shapes and sizes.

SFG shows vertical lines such as clothesline on a frame, and the tomato 'branches' are gently wrapped around the ropes. I wonder if that's why they want you to prune. There wouldn't be enough of the ropes if you don't. I would just tie them to the net you have and don't prune. Less work.

**Homekeepn** · 05-28-2011, 06:58 AM

The suckers are what tries to grow in between the main stalk and the branch. The armpit of the plant really, just the suckers grows out the top not underneath the branch.

As far as weaving the vine through the net, I don't see why. The plant might do some on its own as it grows. Just take some strips of cloth from an old t-shirt or a holy pair pantyhose and tie some branches gently to the net. Not too constricting so the plant can grow.

Also don't take off the bottom branches when you plant your tomato. Just dig the whole deeper and bury those branches. You will have a stronger root base.

Don't forget to put a little ring to paper or some around the base of the plant to discourage cut worms from wrapping around the small pants and choking them.