Help: constructing trellis for tomato plant on a budget (flower, growing, tomatoes)

[prospectheightsresident]

I've been growing tomatoes for a few weeks (they were already in a small pot when I planted them in a larger pot in the front yard) and tomatoes are beginning to emerge from the flower pod area! So exciting to see!

In order to keep my tomatoes off the ground (two are already close and they are still tiny green nuggets), I'm in the process of constructing a trellis. I have the relevant posts up, but am curious as to what to use for the trellis support strings. I'm on a budget, but also want to make sure that whatever I use is sturdy enough to support the plant.

Thanks so much in advance for your assistance!

[North Beach Person]

A heavy twine would likely work, leaving the branches rest on it.

[prospectheightsresident]

Thanks! Yeah, I just bought some twine. I was hoping to use something I already had in the house to save money, but had to make a trip to the hardware store.

[Sunnydee]

We use the old wire frames from campaign signs to hold our tomatoes off the ground. They're free, we find them along the road when the elections are over and no one comes to remove them, so we're eliminating an eyesore. Also you can bend them into lots of configurations.

[seasick]

I have bought fishing nets at the party supply stores. They only last 1 or 2 seasons but they're cheap.

[mmyk72]

There is a neglected batch of bamboos across from my house so I cut off the stems, strip off the leaves and use the canes as support. The thicker, sturdier canes last the whole season. Thinner ones snap off at the joints when they dry out.