stem abrasion issue

I've used tomato cages in the past without issue, I tend to use them to support the plants when they are young and then leave them in place and add additional support (fence, posts, ties, etc.) around the outside when needed as they get bigger.

We had a really windy day, and most of my plants developed varying degrees of black spots on their main stems where they had rubbed up against the metal of the cages. I'm not sure it is just a "bruise", or if because we had so much rain and they are so water heavy, if I'm not already getting mold on the injuries.

Either way, I need to deal with this, because if its not moldy now it will be susceptible to it later.

Any suggestions?

I've had good luck with wrapping broken branches with electrician's tape. My first thought was to wrap the bruised areas to protect the stems... good or bad idea?

leave it be, thats what I would do

I see the same in my indoor garden. the areas have bruises(what I call them) but I dont think they are open sores hopefully an outdoor growing tomato cage user bruiser chimes in...

chemphlegm said:

I see the same in my indoor garden. the areas have bruises(what I call them) but I dont think they are open sores hopefully an outdoor growing tomato cage user bruiser chimes in...

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Living in western Oregon, I need to be careful for open wounds or any weak or injured surface of the plant -- come fall, mold is a real issue here and it tends to attack vulnerable surfaces. Since its early in the season, the plant might have time to toughen up, I just don't recall seeing this before so I have no experience to call on.

Humanrob said:

Living in western Oregon, I need to be careful for open wounds or any weak or injured surface of the plant -- come fall, mold is a real issue here and it tends to attack vulnerable surfaces. Since its early in the season, the plant might have time to toughen up, I just don't recall seeing this before so I have no experience to call on.

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I think tape is a good idea, maybe tie them away from the friction areas and use something else next year too

I went out and looked closely at mine,the winds blows here all the time.I have that on two of my plants in tomato cages. some of it is black and the older abrasions are brown and look like healed super cropped knuckles in color.

Unless it's actually broken or torn the stem ....it will be fine ....however I have used duct tape and a stick to splint broken branches with great results for years....if it's not an open wound it will be fine .....if you must ...a piece of normal duct tape will work fine...

I have a friend who puts foam on his cages ....much like a roll bar in a jeep or race car .....GL

I was going to suggest what Indacouch said...pad the metal bars with foam or a wrap like coban...

Cheers

I appreciate all the feedback! I'll keep an eye on it and see if it forms something like scar tissue (or a plant callus?), or if it needs some padding or tape. Luckily its early in the season and the weather should be warm and dry for a while so I have some time to work it out.

A 3/16in. wide piece of duct would probably prevent that where it makes contact and not choke the stem. My cages are galvanized some of the blackness could be from that it tends to leave marks on things it comes in contact with.

Humanrob said:

I appreciate all the feedback! I'll keep an eye on it and see if it forms something like scar tissue (or a plant callus?), or if it needs some padding or tape. Luckily its early in the season and the weather should be warm and dry for a while so I have some time to work it out.

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silica is your friend,

thumper60 said:

silica is your friend,

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You mean like Pro-tekt in the water, or a foliar spray?

Humanrob said:

You mean like Pro-tekt in the water, or a foliar spray?

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either way,really toughins the stem