The Low-Effort Way To Grow Tomatoes Without Cages (And Why It Works Better)

Ask a seasoned tomato grower what support structure they use to hold up their vines, and chances are you'll hear a rant about cages. The ones you find in the gardening section of your department store are usually too short for plants that can easily top six feet, and they've been known to collapse when the fruit starts weighing them down. You could build your own, of course, if you really want to wrestle with heavy-duty concrete wire to create sturdier cages — but that's a lot of hassle if all you want are gardening hacks that help you grow juicy tomatoes without getting your hands too dirty. Which is why the growers who've been there and done that usually turn to something far simpler: the Florida weave.  

The Florida weave is a way of weaving twine back and forth between sturdy stakes to keep your tomato plants in place. Start by sinking a sturdy stake about a foot deep at each end of your tomato row. Then place more stakes along the row, spacing them at least two or three feet apart (placing plants too close together is a common mistake when it comes to growing tomatoes). Each stake should stand at least five to six feet above ground — tall enough to support the plants as they grow. As the plants grow taller, you simply add more layers of twine, keeping the vines upright and the fruit off the ground. 

So why does the Florida weave work better than cages or single stakes? It's cheap, quick to set up, and surprisingly effective. Cheap, because you only need stakes and twine — no clunky wire cages to buy, bend into shape, or find storage space for once the season ends. Quick, because the system is straightforward enough for a beginner to install, yet sturdy enough to last the whole season, and just as easy to take down when you're finished. And effective, because upright plants mean cleaner fruit, fewer pests, better airflow, and more efficient use of space. With your plants trained into neat rows, you can pack in more tomatoes without sacrificing sunlight or health.

Finally, it makes tending and harvesting your tomatoes a whole lot easier. Instead of reaching awkwardly through the bars of a cage, you have open access to every vine, blossom, and cluster of ripe fruit. The twine holds the plants neatly in place, so you spend less time wrestling with tangles and more time filling your basket. That combination of simplicity, efficiency, and accessibility is what makes the Florida weave great for both beginners and seasoned hands. And if your garden contains more than just tomatoes, check out our tips for growing a vegetable garden on a budget.