At this juncture, I have planned for everything except tomato stakes.

I have 7 tomato cages, as of yet. I plan to have 40 tomato plants next year. Actually 36, but the tomatillos are included in this as of now. I plan to put 20 in the ground, but the rest are going in 10 gal. pots. As I understand, stakes are the cheapest way (buy some 2x1 poles and tie tomatoes to them) but they are also, as I hear, terrible. Just terrible.

I am having trouble finding livestock panels that are cheap, and work for pots... most look like they would be fine if I was ground growing tomatoes, which I am somewhat, but would barely come up 3 feet past a pot. 4/10 of the varieties I am growing are determinate, so I don't think that will work. Tomato cages are $7ish dollars, so I really don't want to be buying 33 of those.

Any suggestions are appreciated greatly. Have a charmed day.

It's too early for me to earnestly recommend this method, but i've done it with a few of my pots for the first time this year using saplings and coppiced trees I cut from my property. Time will tell whether it is sufficient or not.

Dave

PS: all tomato seeds, just as with all common garden vegetable seeds except corn, are "non-GMO" so that term isn't really relevant but can cause confusion.

Dave, sorry, perhaps I should have been more clear. You are correct in saying that most garden veggies are not GMO, however 70% are controlled by GMO companies, which I try not to support. I feel better buying from companies who are against GMOs.

The lumber was not expensive and can be re-used.

Linda

Hans

I always use 5/4"decking which is 12' long costing less than $7 at Lowes.
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Good choice .
I have done that too. I Also get 2" x 4" cedar 12' length. I can get 6 stakes out of this one Sturdier than decking stuff. Recently I got some e that stuff @ 70% off at clearance.
To dive it into ground I cut one end into "V" shape, then make a hole with a REBAR and then drive it down easily.