Joanna Radford
Home, Farm, & Garden
In backyard gardens across Surry County, North Carolina, tomatoes are more than just a summer crop. They are a tradition. Whether tucked into raised beds, sprawling beside a fence row, or trellised in a traditional garden, healthy tomato plants reward gardeners with baskets of fresh fruit. Two simple practices, staking and pruning, can make the difference between a tangled jungle and a productive, manageable harvest.
Tomatoes are naturally sprawling plants. Left unsupported, they tend to grow along the ground, where fruit and foliage are more vulnerable to pests, rot, and disease. Staking keeps plants upright, improves air circulation, and reduces contact with soil-borne diseases.
Pruning works hand in hand with staking. By removing excess growth, gardeners can direct the plant’s energy toward fruit production while improving airflow and sunlight penetration, two key factors in disease prevention. Before you prune or stake, it is important to know what you are growing. Tomatoes fall into two main categories: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate varieties are bushier and produce most of their fruit in a short window, requiring less aggressive pruning and lighter support. Indeterminate types, on the other hand, grow continuously throughout the season and need sturdy staking systems and more regular pruning to manage their vigorous vines. For many Surry County gardeners, popular heirlooms and cherry tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning a little extra attention pays off with a longer harvest stretching well into late summer.
There is no single “right” way to stake tomatoes, but several proven methods fit different garden styles. The simplest is the single-stake system: a sturdy stake placed close to the plant and tied loosely as it grows. Stakes should be driven 6 to 12 inches into the soil and tied every 8 inches along the stem for support.
Cages are another common option, especially for determinate varieties. While lightweight cages are widely available, they may not support larger plants well. Many experienced gardeners build their own cages or use livestock fencing for durability.
For rows of tomatoes, the Florida weave method is a favorite among both home gardeners and small-scale growers. By weaving twine between stakes, this system creates a supportive corridor that holds plants upright as they grow.
Pruning should begin early, right at planting time. Remove any lower leaves or stems that will touch the soil, reducing the risk of disease transmission. As plants grow, continue removing drooping branches near the ground.
One of the most important pruning tasks is managing suckers, the small shoots that form between the main stem and branches. Removing suckers reduces potential yields but increases airflow. A balanced approach works best: leave the sucker just below the first flower cluster, remove all other suckers below that one, and allow all suckers above the first flower cluster to grow. This method maintains good air circulation while still supporting strong fruit production.
Selective pruning also includes removing diseased or damaged leaves and thinning dense growth to allow sunlight into the canopy. However, moderation is key. Over-pruning can expose fruit to sunscald, a common issue during hot North Carolina summers. Gardeners aiming for larger tomatoes can even thin fruit clusters, leaving one tomato per cluster so the plant concentrates its resources.
The best tomato care is consistent but simple. Check plants weekly, tie new growth to stakes, pinch small suckers, and remove any yellowing leaves. Clean pruning tools between plants to avoid spreading disease, and always remove clippings from the garden area.
From backyard plots to community gardens across the county, tomatoes thrive when given structure and attention. Staking keeps plants upright and accessible, while thoughtful pruning channels growth into healthy, productive vines. With these techniques, and a little Surry County sunshine, gardeners can enjoy not just bigger harvests, but better quality tomatoes all season long.
Florida weave system used to support determinate tomatoes. Image credit: UNH Extension
Diagram credit: UNH Extension
