Sweet 100 tomatoes definitely benefit from staking or caging. These vigorous climbers can grow quite tall and produce an abundance of cherry-sized fruits in long clusters. Without proper support, the weight of the fruit can cause the plants to droop and the fruits to touch the ground. This not only makes it easier for pests and diseases to attack the fruit but also increases the risk of rotting.
Staking or caging Sweet 100 tomatoes is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to keep the fruit off the ground, reducing the chances of soilborne diseases and pests such as slugs and snails from damaging or contaminating the fruit. Secondly, it improves air circulation around the plant, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and provides better sun exposure for ripening the fruit. Lastly, staking or caging helps to organize the plants and prevents them from sprawling, making it easier for gardeners to access the plants for pruning, watering, and harvesting.
There are various methods you can use to stake or cage your Sweet 100 tomato plants. One common approach is to use stakes. You can insert sturdy wooden or metal stakes into the ground next to each plant and tie the main stem of the tomato plant to the stake using soft ties or twine. As the plant grows, you may need to periodically adjust the ties to ensure proper support. Another option is to use tomato cages, which are typically made of wire and provide a ready-made support structure for the plants. Simply place the cage around the young plant and allow it to grow within the cage.
In my personal experience, I have found that staking or caging Sweet 100 tomatoes is crucial for a successful harvest. In one instance, I neglected to stake my plants, and as they grew taller and produced more fruit, the weight caused the stems to bend and touch the ground. This resulted in some of the fruits rotting and becoming infested with pests. Lesson learned, I now stake or cage all my indeterminate tomato varieties, including Sweet 100s, right from the start.
To summarize, Sweet 100 tomatoes benefit greatly from staking or caging. It helps to keep the fruit off the ground, avoids pest and disease issues, improves air circulation, and makes maintenance tasks easier. Whether you choose to use stakes or tomato cages, providing proper support for your Sweet 100 plants will contribute to a healthier and more productive harvest.
