Tomato Cages
anybody use tomato cages?
I’ve heard about these things on other questions, exactly how do they help and would they work with other similar plants?
I use them on tomato plants and any other plant that needs support. I live in a windy canyon so they really help keep the plants upright and keeps the stems from breaking in the wind.
Tomato Cages
Tips on Making Your Own Tomato Cages
Tomato cages are a unique and simple method of stabilizing your tomato plants along with other plants. They allow for better air flow around and through the plant, better plant exposure to sunlight, support fruit from having direct contact to the grown and allow for easy access for weeding, mulching or watering of plants. This all provides for a healthier plant, that in return will produce a bigger and better crop.
There are many types of cages that are on the market and can be purchased at most local garden centers or you can simply make your own. There are many different ways that cages can be made and with many different type of standard building material like wood, pvc, or wire that can be purchased at your local lumber yard, hardware store, or home center.
To build your own cages with wood products you can simply place four stakes around the plant and wrap twine around the stakes or you can fasten wood lath across the stakes like a ladder.
Pvc tubing can also be a good product to use to build cages. One way is to use ridged pvc and fittings to create a box type structure with cross pieces like a ladder for the plants to be supported on as they grow or you can use coiled pvc tubing, fasten one end to the ground, stretch the tubing to the desired height and fasten the top to a stake.
Concrete wire mesh or fencing wire are two other products that are commonly used to build plant cages. You can purchase rolls of wire mesh at most home centers, lumber yards or hardware stores. Simply cut the mesh to a desired length, then fasten the two ends together with snap ties creating a tube shape. Stand the tube over the plant and fasten to the ground.
Cages can be used for more than just your tomato plants. They are a great way to support tall flowers or used to support vine type plants like morning glories or string beans. They are a great benefit for any size and type of garden.
About the Author
My name is John Yazo. I enjoy Organic Gardening. Everyday is a learning experience that is full of challenges. Trying new methods and techniques keeps it interesting. I enjoy to write and share all my gardening experiences with everyone. Feel free to comment on any of my articles. That’s what keeps the learning process going for all of us. http://www.organicheirloomgardening.com
I have old leftover metal Tomato Cages… Any craft suggestions?
I am not interested in dolls or scarecrows, or any seasonal crafts like angels or santas.
I’m more interested in turning the tomato cage into something else for outside garden decor or something useful….. any interesting suggestions?? (helpful instructions would be appreciated too!)
I loooove to garden, so maybe someone can give me input on how to use the tomato cage in my garden, for something other than what it was intended for? All friendly and creative thinkers welcome!!!! :^)
If you used heavy enough cages and placed them properly in the ground, they could be the base of a little table.
How to Make Tomato Cages