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Location

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Date Posted

Colorado

Whats a good way to support the weight of a descent.As in what works good for a stake and sling-also how big do you let them get when you first tie them up.Ive got two good young mega zacs and am pretty green at this.

7/19/2017 12:44:22 PM

Lebanon, Oregon

Here is Dan MacCoy's diary from 2015 and his world record run. Both encouraging and inspirational. Looks like he uses panty hose. Any non water absorbing material would work, not cotton. I use polyester strips and cloth. You can be creative with support stakes, the support post it's growing on or use another small stake just for the tomato if it gets big. Keep direct sun off if by covering it so it doesn't heat up and ripen so fast. Good luck

7/19/2017 1:02:44 PM

Massachusetts

fishnet stockings for me......

7/19/2017 4:34:36 PM

Wixom MI.

I use any rag I can get my hands on ! I like to support and cover the entire tomato from the sun.the only problem I had last year was when the tomato got over 4-5 lbs. The stem feeding the tomato could tear or split potentialy exposing the core of the tomato.and if water were to get in their, there is a good chance for the tomato to o rot.so good to keep water or rain off the stem when they get big.

7/19/2017 5:15:33 PM

Wixom MI.

Every situation is different on when to support them.i usually start supporting them when they are about 15" circumference or one pound. Just make sure the stem never bends !!!

7/19/2017 6:57:52 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Everyone has different ideas what to use as a mater sling. After seeing this Qtip diary entry:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=260901

I decided I had enough hammers. I am trying this year 1 gallon paint strainers bags tied to my garden stake with 1/2 inch hose clamp. At about 15-16 inches circumference is where I start to think about supporting. I am still about 3 weeks out from trying this method but will let you know how it goes.

7/19/2017 9:05:39 PM

Hamilton Nj

im trying the mesh bag from my onions i got at food store if i get a good one lol finally starting to see a couple quater size triples pizza

7/19/2017 9:16:19 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I start supporting the stem very early as they can rip off the vine even before you have much of a tomato.

7/20/2017 3:47:34 PM

Wixom MI.

I agree with Marv. I grow mine on a wire mesh fence and I usually rest a young tomato on the fencing till they get bigger. You can't do that with staking ???

7/20/2017 6:36:50 PM