Make a Tomato Tunnel

[ysabetwordsmith]

This is clever.  I wouldn't use zipties to make it, I'd use garden twine, and I would want it tall enough to stand under comfortably.  I have no shortage of unwanted saplings that could be lopped down and turned into such a tunnel, or more likely, an arch to test the concept.  It should work with any indeterminate tomato though.  You just weave the vines through the frame of the arch.

Comments

[grimmrow]

This is super cool and I love your idea of using garden twine. awesome idea.

Thank you!

[ysabetwordsmith]

I prefer working with natural materials. Cotton, jute, hemp, that stuff will break down over time and not leave a mess. I'll cut up water jugs to use as mini-greenhouses or plant labels, but natural is better when possible.

I also tend to view the entire environment as usable materials. I grab sticks and rocks to use as tools all the time. Because I have stuff growing just everywhere, I can afford to hack off pieces to turn into something else. Permaculture is all about "obtain a yield" but that can be anything you find useful, not just fruit. Craft materials = a yield. \o/

[pickledginger]

Fun. Should work with cucumbers and similar not-too-large squashes, as well.
Willow cuttings, woven diagonally, might do it with very little binding.

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Willows would work great. I don't have those but do have forsythia, honeysuckle, and maple that have long limber twigs.