We got tired of stakes that bent & broke halfway through the season or only lasted a single season even when they were sold as "10 year stakes." Perhaps those other ones last that long up north, but our sun is more intense. We switched to 5/8" rebar stakes, and yes they're a little rugged looking, yes, the rust with time (simply adding iron to your garden), but they work! And they last! We haven't looked back.
You'll need one stake for each tomato plant. And, if you really want to do it right, get a pack of our tomato ties as well. They're the best. Like a rubber band with a hook. Takes no time at all.
