It's probably not enough, but it sort of depends on what variety of tomato you're growing. If it's Celebrity or a similar determinate type, a bit more support may be all you need as those sorts don't grow that big. If you're growing heirloom indeterminate types like Brandywine or Mortgage Lifter, ones that grow and bear all summer, you'll need waaaaaay more support. I grow mine in 5 foot high, 30" diameter cages made of 6" concrete reinforcing wire, and the plants swamp those by the end of the season.

Marty

Thanks Marty,

I have a small raised bed about 10 X 8.

I have one row with 3 Better Boy Tomatoes spaces out every 24 inches. (This is where I have a stake on each end with twine)

On My other row I have 1 Better Boy and 2 Roma Juliet Tomatoes with the same setup as above.

What else would you recommend if I don't have cages and just stakes with twine. I was hoping to do some sort of trellis system with the twine.

Thanks
Chris

Anyone Else have any suggestions?

thanks

I have a panel of cattle wire that I put between mu poles to support my tomatoes.

I use five or six foot stakes, with about three tomatoe plants between stakes. Sometimes bad weather will still blow them over.

Sounds to me that what you've done is whats called the Florida weave. That ought to work if you are diligent about pruning.

If you prefer your plants to get a little more bushy, then I'd use something that will surround the plant a bit more.

I'm trying an A-frame cage this year (looks sorta like an A-frame swing set). I plan to add horizontal boards and strings to support the bushy branches.

I don't use cages very often. In late may i put down 8-12 layers of newsprint and 2-3 inches of wheat straw over the paper, and let the tomatoes grow/spread over the straw. They do not rot as they would on bare ground. Great for keeping moisture in the ground too. The only problem I have had is an occasional turtle finding them.
I have found that the cages sold comercially are not big enough or stout enough for most heirlooms. Not even the 48" ones. maybe with at least two stakes.

I agree with others here that if you are going to use cages make your own. The 6" concrete reinforcing wire is great, but can be dangerous if you are trying to bend it.