I'm trying something I read about last year in another forum. It looks promising to me. But I haven't actually tried it yet. If it works, it should be cheap. I added a link to a discussion about it. Look for the posts by dcarch.

Here is a link that might be useful: link to discussion about dcarch's tomato supports

I use something similar to Florida Weave. I drive a steel pipe at each end of the row and a notched PVC pipe across the top to keep them from pulling inward. Then I use yarn in a figure 8 pattern from one post, side to side around plants to the other post every 6 inches alternating sides. I used this concept for the last two years with no problems and will use it again this year. Call it the Taz Weave.

Here is a link to many previous discussions here on ways to 'cage' or 'stake' or support tomatoes. Lots of suggestions in them and several have photos included.

Personally I use CRW cages for most but if you have some determinate varieties a simple wood stake will work for them. If you plant in long rows then a 'cattle panel' is something you should consider - cheap and great support.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Caging and staking tomato plants discussions

idk if cheap would apply for 50+ plants thats alot of stakes / but yeah i use the cages and then start a weave when they get taller than the cage / been using it for yrs with out probs

can't comment on cheap as I was just using up leftovers, but I can comment on working well. I drove a pvc pipe by each plant as I planted them, pre-drilled with holes in a row. I used pvc covered electrical wire and ran it between them so the result was much like a small fence. I used panty hose to tie the stems to the pvc and to tie branches to the wire and it seemed to keep the plants up off the ground just fine. I don't think you'd have to go to the expense of pvc covered electrical wire, could probably use clothes line just fine. I tied my plants as they grew, you might need to adapt a little, perhaps use a zig zag pattern so the wire would sort of be around them and thus provide more places to tie.

I made a pergola-type support and tie ropes to support the plants - they act as "stakes" but cannot fall over.

Plus, it's pretty. :)

We really love the Spiral Stand.
you can use it year after year, it is very sturdy and doesn't fall over.

Here is a link that might be useful: www.spiralstand.com

Daniele, funny that the only posts I can find from you on GW are about the spiral. ;)

I see you've been hitting Cottage, Potager, and now 3 threads here.

From everything I've read the spirals are too lightweight to offer good support and you have to prune the majority of the plant.

Here is a link that might be useful: tomato staking techniques evaluation

Again with the flimsy spiral! Gimmick.