Staking Tomatoes (grow, vegetable, squirrel, fencing)

[mjmama]

This is my 3rd year of gardening and I'm doubling the amount of tomato plants this year. Last year I used cages and 10 ft steel poles to determine my preferred staking method. Since I grow indeterminate varieties, the pole was the winner for me but I'm wondering what other methods might be out there that I haven't considered.

I came across this website and found it interesting. I am thinking of making a tripod out of some of my stakes this year to see if it is sturdier and maybe I'll be able to harvest tomatoes at the tops of the poles without the help of my tall husband. What are your favorite staking methods?

How to Support Tomatoes - Vegetable Gardener

Also, I've loved the look of obelisks but they just don't seem as practical in a small garden. Maybe they would work for beans as this gardener.

Google Image Result for http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_42KY1jgzjeA/TAwxCjFyFJI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/gMzlTrRQHps/s1600/obelisks.JPG

[Dusty Rhodes]

I've been doing tomatos for quite some time and I use those cheaper metal fence posts you can buy at most home/outdoor stores, they work quite well. I use rag strips to tie the tomato plant to the stake and to brace heavy bearing limbs.

[arbyunc]

Unfortunately I have to battle the squirrels for my tomatoes. I use round cages made from regular welded fencing, then wrap that with chicken wire. It's a little more of a pain, but it keeps the squirrels out.

[Dusty Rhodes]

Originally Posted by arbyunc

Unfortunately I have to battle the squirrels for my tomatoes. I use round cages made from regular welded fencing, then wrap that with chicken wire. It's a little more of a pain, but it keeps the squirrels out.

Just one of the many reasons Dogs were invented.