Lower-and-Lean Method for Growing Hoop House Tomatoes

The lower-and-lean trellising method for indeterminate tomatoes in a hoop house has many advantages. Ease of working conditions and maximum fruit production are the key features of this style of tomato growing. When done properly, pruning, along with lowering and leaning, will increase productivity and keep your plants healthier.

Why use the lower-and-lean method for growing hoop house tomatoes?

When you use the right equipment, including support structures, trellis lines, hooks, tomato clips, and a good set of clippers, you will see:

• The tomato vine is supported. 
• A practical working height for the plant and farmer is established. 
• The vines can grow from 40 to 70 feet long and produce vigorous fruit throughout their life. 
• Airflow throughout the hoop house is increased, reducing pest pressure and the risk of fungal issues. 
• Consistent lowering and leaning of vines keeps you off a ladder. 

Working on a ladder in the hoop house increases the risk of injury, particularly when using both hands to work the plant. It is also quite hot in the upper regions of the house. Keeping your working zone close to cross-ventilation and shade will dramatically improve your comfort when pruning tomatoes. It also significantly improves your plants' comfort.

What is the difference between indeterminate tomato plants and determinate tomatoes? 

Indeterminate, or vine tomatoes, do not have a predetermined height. This type will continue to grow, lengthen, and branch over a long growing season. Their flowering time is likewise undetermined, meaning they will continue to flower and fruit as long as proper growing conditions are maintained. Indeterminate tomatoes are ideal for trellising.

Determinate, or bush tomatoes, will grow to a predetermined height, generally 3 to 4 feet, and then produce a large quantity of fruit that ripens within a limited time frame. These types are most commonly used for canning and processing. Determinate tomatoes are better suited to caging or basket-weaving support structures. 

Tools you need to lower-and-lean your tomato plants properly

• Trellis system - Typically used in hoop houses, this is a high-wire structure.
• Qlipr trellis hooks - Used to hold the trellis line to the support structure. Qlipr trellis hooks are stainless steel. 
• Trellis Line - Be sure to use UV-resistant lines. 
• Stem Clips - Order in bulk for the best prices; you will need a lot. Qlipr clips are made with thick foam, so they're gentle on your plants. Order replacement foam here. 
• Pruners - For pruning in tight spaces, we recommend ones with pointed tips and an ergonomic handle. 

How to Choose the Right Tomato Hooks

There are two main types of tomato hooks that hold twine and secure it to a high wire trellis.

1. Roller hooks are pre-rolled with twine that growers let out as needed by squeezing the roller mechanism. If you're using this traditional system, watch the video at the end of this article. 
2. The Qlipr system eliminates the need for spooled twine. The system features stainless steel hooks, available in 32", 47", 63", or 71". Simply use the foam clips to hold the plant stems in place along the wire. 

The Four Sections of a Trellised Tomato

When properly trellised using the lower-and-lean method, the vine has room for the four parts of production:

1. The crown and flowering zone of the vine, where new growth is established. Lowering each plant as it grows will keep this zone out of the hottest part of the hoop house. 
2. The fruit set and vegetative zone, where flowers become fruit clusters, a canopy of leaves helps the plant transpire while shading all of the fruit below.
3. The ripening and harvest zone is where the fruit can be easily inspected and harvested at a comfortable working height for the farmer. The ideal space for the harvest zone is a level even with the knee-to-shoulder range of the person who will be doing the harvesting. 
4. The heavy prune zone is where a bare stock is cleaned of old clusters, suckers, and leaves. These pruned parts have served their purpose but are now taking nutrients and water away from the top part of the plant, which is still growing and producing fruit. 

This bare pruning helps create airflow at the base, where roll-up side cross ventilation can help keep vines cool and aid pollination. Keeping this section clear of any growth is one of the most important parts of pruning an indeterminate tomato. Lowering the vines further helps airflow at the top of the hoop house, where the air is hottest. 

Leaning the plants 

Alternate directions when leaning the plants to make the most of your available space while trellising tomatoes. As you move each plant,  leapfrog it past the next plant headed in the opposite direction. Simply move the clip up several feet. The lower part of the plant will naturally curve below the clip. Whether you prune before or after you lower-and-lean is a personal preference. 

You may need to prune overgrown vines before lowering them. It is always easiest to prune the bare stem section before you lower the plant, so you don't have to bend over too much to cut. When you lower the vine, aim to have the crown around 6 inches below the support wire. This provides ample space at the top of the house for venting and circulating hot air while protecting the new growth. 

Some growers will lean plants in pairs. The first plant or two will head towards the back of the house. The space left by leaning the first plant will allow you to lean the next plant in line towards the front of the house. Alternate leaning directions as you travel down each row, switching sides as needed to prune comfortably. 

How to Manage Tomato Trellises at the End of the Row

When you reach the end of the row, wrap the vine past and around existing stems to create the “racetrack” of stems that circles each row. This keeps the vines close to the plant's root section and out of foot traffic on your paths.

Keeping the bare vines up off the ground and out of the paths:

• Makes working the plants much easier
• Keeps plants healthier (improved airflow, further away from ground pests)
• Reduces possible damage

Regular maintenance is key to keeping hoop house tomatoes growing

Keep up with vine growth by consistently lowering-and-leaning a day or two after each harvest. Doing so will keep your plants productive and healthy throughout the season. 

Watch the Lower and Leaning Tomato Vine Video

Also in this series:

1. Building Trellis for Indeterminate Tomatoes
2. Pruning Indeterminate Tomatoes for Maximum Production in a Hoop House
3. Managing Overgrown Tomatoes