6 Ways to Build Your Own Tomato Cages

What can I use instead of a tomato cage?
What is the best way to cage tomatoes?
How tall should a tomato cage be?
Is it better to stake or cage tomatoes?
Can I grow tomatoes without a cage?
Does the Dollar Store have tomato cages?
When should I put up tomato cages?
Do tomatoes need support to grow?
When should I put cages on tomato plants?

What can I use instead of a tomato cage?

Stake 'Em Up

Gardeners who use this method tend to have their own preference of tie-down material, but twine, fabric strips, reusable twist ties, plastic clips, and hook-and-loop fasteners are all sturdy options. By growing tomato plants on stakes, you'll be able to keep securing them as they grow.

What is the best way to cage tomatoes?

You're best off securing them with a heavy stake driven at least a foot deep into the soil. 4) Cage them – maximum security edition! There are cages and then there are cages. These heavy-duty square-shaped cages (also known as tomato towers) are secure and roomy but come at a price, usually about $25 each.

How tall should a tomato cage be?

Cages should be 14-18 inches in diameter with a height of 4 feet for determinate plants and at least 6 feet for indeterminate. Sturdy cages may be expensive to purchase, but can be constructed by hand using cost-effective livestock fencing or concrete reinforcement wire.

Is it better to stake or cage tomatoes?

If you want to grow indeterminate tomatoes in containers, it is best to grow them near a trellis or fence that you can train them up, or use very large pots that will allow large cages. ... Dwarf (or patio) tomatoes never need staking, but they only grow two or three feet tall and produce small tomatoes (cherry size).

Can I grow tomatoes without a cage?

The truth is, growing tomatoes without cages is the way to go; there are dozens of different ways to support your tomatoes, and cages simply aren't one of them. Unless you're growing dwarf plants or heavily pruning your tomato plant, of course. In those cases, things can work out.

Does the Dollar Store have tomato cages?

Awesome tomato cage

I was surprise this was at dollar tree. They will be so easy to use and store. I just picked up 5 of these and wish I'd bought more. They are easy to set up and I love that they fold so compact to store for future uses.

When should I put up tomato cages?

Set a cage around plants shortly after planting while plants are still small. ...
Wood stakes are a simple and inexpensive solution. ...
A well-made cage, such as this welded one, can be a sculptural element in a garden as well as a structural support for tall tomato plants.

Do tomatoes need support to grow?

In theory bush tomatoes do not need support, but left to their own devices plants can be weighed down onto the ground by heavy fruits, increasing the chances of slug damage, disease and fruit spoil. ... Plant the tomatoes in between the two rows of canes. Lift up the branches and drape them over the canes as they grow.

When should I put cages on tomato plants?

After you first plant your tomato plants, you need to place a tomato cage around it. Setting the cage early will allow the tomato's roots to grow uninterrupted. Placing the cage in the soil when the plant has matured can damage the tomatoes, the roots and vines.