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Had to decide on my tomato support system before the plants got too heavy.
It was either a big metal cage or a simple stake and twine setup. Went with the cage, thinking it would be stronger. Big mistake. The wind on my 4th floor balcony in April kept knocking the whole thing over. Almost lost two plants. Switched to stakes after a week and tied them to the railing. Much more stable now. Anyone else have a better way to secure plants in windy spots?
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thomas836mo ago
Oh man, the wind is a real killer up high. Something I tried last year was using those cheap plastic net trellises you can zip-tie right to the balcony railing itself. The plants grow through the holes and the whole setup has zero wind profile because it's flat against the rail. It's basically part of the building then. Might be worth a look if you're dealing with constant gusts.
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wyatt_mason116mo ago
But that plastic netting is a total pain when the season ends. You have to cut all those zip ties and pull dead vines out of every single hole. It's a mess. The wind might not catch it, but it traps moisture against the rail and can rot your plants. A simple freestanding trellis you can move is way less hassle in the long run.
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kim.stella6mo ago
Metal cages are a total trap for balcony gardens! They act like a sail in the wind. Staking directly to the railing is the only method that's ever worked for me up high. You need that direct anchor to the building's structure. Those flimsy net trellises sound like they'd just rip apart in a serious gust. A heavy-duty stake and some strong tie material is a permanent fix.
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