Among the garden staples, tomato plants are some of the fastest growers. While this can be a beneficial trait, it also means that they need support early on to prevent breakage, disease, and crowding.

One might choose his Carmello variety (great for sauces), or the Cherokee Purple, said to be rich and sweet, or a Green Grape variety—”tangy and great for snacking,” he said. All of Gasperik’s ...