Not staking or caging does not work for me at all--Unless you can take big losses EVERYTHING that touches ground or straw mulch rots. It may be too damp and cold for them at night plus the caterpillars easily hide.

Sad thing is from the top looks like a perfect tom--much anticipation develops, big day arrives and IT'S ROTTEN.

I didn't stake up some of the few survivors of hurricane and haven't gotten a single good tomato from them yet. Waiting for the toms that are still in the tangled mass of foliage (but not touching ground) to ripen. Those caged look great.

This is just a few of pickens--had lots more like this.