When I grow tomatoes, I put the support stake in when I plant the tomato. On the stake, I place 2-3 soft terrycloth hairbands. As the plant grows, I move the bands up and use the bottom one to tie the plant to the stake. The hairbands are very gentle and do not dig into the plant, expanding as the plant grows, this keeps the plants staked without damaging them. I buy the hairbands at the dollar store and they come a dozen to a package so they very economical. Just make sure you buy the terrycloth kind that have a gentle stretch to them. And when growing season is over I just stick the bands in a lingerie bag and wash for the next year.