For Small, Bushy Tomatoes

• Small, bushy tomatoes and tomatoes grown in containers usually require less support than the large vine varieties. For these small bushes, often a sturdy stake stuck next to the main vine of the plant is all that is needed. For added support, however, a stake with a circular attachment that fits over the plant works very well. Buy a 2-foot or 3-foot bamboo or other wooden stake. For the circular support, use a wire coat hanger. With wire cutters, cut the hanger just below the twisted neck and discard the hook part. With pliers, form the triangular section into a circle, with the ends overlapping each other by 3 inches. Twist the ends of the wire around the stake, 1 foot down from the top of the stake. Secure the circular wire firmly to the stake by wrapping tie wire in an X pattern around the stake and the wire. Place the tomato support about 4 inches out from the stem and deep enough in the soil so the circular wire is beneath most of the heavier vines.
  
  

For Large Vine Tomatoes

• Larger varieties of tomatoes grow several feet high and can produce enormous amounts of fruit. For the highest yield and to prevent disease, however, these plants need tomato cages to train the vines to grow upward rather than along the ground. The sturdiest and easiest homemade tomato cages are made using concrete reinforcing wire. Purchase this wire at hardware stores, and always use gloves when working with it. Cut off a 5-foot-long section from the roll of wire using wire cutters. On each side, cut the vertical connecting wires off so there are horizontal wire ends to work with. Shape the 5-foot piece of wire into a column, and connect the sides together by twisting the wire ends around each other using pliers. Weave three 5-foot tall stakes through the wire to provide support and to anchor the cage to the ground. Leave about 6 inches of the stakes showing at the bottom of the cage. Secure the stakes by wrapping tie wire around the stakes and cage at three intervals along the length of the stakes. Place the cage over the tomato plants, and push the ends of the stakes securely into the ground.