Diane,
I used the Florida weave for the first time last year - I'm going to do the same again this year. I used baler twine - because that's what I had at no cost to me - it works well, just use plenty to support the plants. I think if I mulch with straw under the plants it would be better because of the Oklahoma winds - otherwise the soil dries too quickly, even with a drip irrigation in place. Allow plenty of space between plants to keep down disease.
I think it's better than cages and certainly more cost efficient. My DH set mine up with t-posts and a couple of heavy wires top and bottom to keep everything tight for support.

see, if you wait long enough, you'll get a discussion on everything you have a question about :)

i was considering doing the florida weave this year, as well, but hadn't gotten around to asking the question yet. i can get baler twine at no cost as well....but i won't have the need for as many cages as you, diane.

farmergardener, thanks for the tip on the straw mulch.

Last year was my first time to use the florida weave method with my tomato plants and I had very good results. I like this method for larger plants much better than cages. It kept things pulled in so rows stayed clearer and harvesting was much easier since I didn't have to move branches around to get to the fruit.

We used t-posts at each end and rebar in the row every couple of plants. It turned out to be cheaper per piece to buy 20' long rebar and cut into 8' lengths than to buy 8' lengths. Being city dwellers without use of a flatbed trailer, I'm sure we resembled the Beverly Hillbillys getting those long lengths home in hubby's Tundra.

We used lots of straw as well which greatly helped with moisture and made weeding almost a non-issue.

Lynn

im glad you posted this. Ive trying to decide what method to use and I have an unlimited amount of 3/4" ridged pipe for the supports and twine is cheap.
Thanks!
mike