Is it possible to grow tomatoes without stakes? Find out here

Growing tomatoes is an agricultural activity that both professionals and amateurs are passionate about. However, a common question among those who want to start or improve their cultivation techniques is whether it is possible to grow tomatoes without the need to stake the plants. By not using a stake, the time invested in this task is reduced, but challenges related to the space, the fruit quality and presence of diseases.

Although it is traditionally recommended to use tutors to make better use of space and keep plants upright, not all varieties ni cropping systems need them. Next, we will analyze the keys to decide whether it is appropriate to dispense with tutors, the driving systems possible and best practices for a healthy cultivation.

What does it mean not to stake tomato plants?

El tutored It is an agricultural technique intended to keep tomato plants upright by using supports such as canes, wires or wooden structures. This system facilitates the harvest, reduces the contact of the fruits with the soil and improves the ventilation, which reduces the incidence of diseases.

However, leaving tomato plants without tutors means allowing them to grow naturally, adopting a creeping habit. This method may be viable, especially for certain varieties, which have a more compact growth and produce their fruits in a short period.

Advantages and disadvantages of growing without supports

Choosing not to stake tomato plants has advantages and disadvantages that must be evaluated based on the space available, the variety grown and the climatic conditions of the location.

• Advantages: saving time and resources, less investment in materials and ease of getting started in tomato cultivation.
• Disadvantages: lower quality of fruits due to contact with the ground, greater likelihood of fungal diseases and the need for more space to avoid overcrowding of plants.

Tomato varieties best suited for cultivation without support

For those who choose to grow without tutors, the determinate varieties are usually the best choice. They produce fruit in a shorter period and have compact growth, which reduces problems associated with contact with the ground. Examples of these varieties include 'Rome', 'Big River' y 'Cherry Gold Nugget'.

Furthermore, the indeterminate varieties, which grow continuously throughout the season, are less suitable for cultivation without support. They need more space and constant monitoring to avoid problems. weeds y enfermedades.

Key cultural practices in non-supported cultivation

To be successful in growing tomatoes without tutors, it is essential to implement good cultural practices. This includes:

• Use organic or plastic mulch: helps keep fruit off the ground, reduces water evaporation, improves moisture conservation and controls weed growth.
• Planting in separate rows: Leave enough space between plants to ensure good air circulation and ease of maintenance.
• Moderate irrigation: Avoid excessive watering that can promote fungal diseases. The drip irrigation system is very efficient for creeping tomatoes.
• Selection of disease-resistant varieties: opt for varieties that are less susceptible to mildew and other common mushrooms.

Alternative driving systems

Although traditional tutors are not used, there are alternative systems that can combine the benefits of tutoring with the simplicity of natural cultivation. Some examples include:

• Tomato cages: cylindrical structures that support the plant as it grows naturally.
• Use of mesh: They allow the fruits to be kept slightly elevated from the ground without the need to tie the plants.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Growing without supports can be more prone to certain problems:

• Weed Pressure: Use mulching to reduce the growth of unwanted weeds.
• Higher incidence of diseases: apply preventive treatments with natural fungicides and perform light pruning to improve the ventilation.
• Damaged fruits: Consider installing nets or organic covers to protect the fruits.

Climate considerations

Climate plays a crucial role in the success of non-stakeholder cultivation. In humid climates, creeping plants are more prone to developing diseases due to excess moisture. moistureIn these cases, it is recommended to increase the distance between plants and use plastic covers to avoid direct contact with the ground.

In dry areas, the use of drip irrigation combined with padded can offer excellent results, reducing evaporation and protecting the quality of the fruits.

Growing tomatoes without stakes represents an alternative method that, although it requires more space and some adjustments, can be practical and sustainable for those looking to simplify the process without compromising production.