Tomato Cages

It’s about this time of year when gardeners begin to get excited about growing tomatoes. Regardless of whether the tomatoes you grow will be used in sauce, salads, or soups, the plants will require proper support. Let’s talk about some options for tomato cages!

There are as many designs and material options for tomato cages as preferences for their use. Here are some things to consider about materials:

Wood
Wooden cages can be built or purchased and are relatively inexpensive, but the wood will eventually rot so you may get fewer years of use from this type of support.

Wire
Supports made of wire will last longer than wood, but sometimes they aren’t strong enough to support larger, indeterminate varieties of tomatoes.

PVC
PVC works well but sometimes takes longer to put together and the sun will eventually weaken them. Additionally, these cages tend to be bigger and bulkier.

Heavier Gauge Metal
Concrete reinforcing mesh is made of stronger metal that will last many years and you can make them very tall to accommodate tomato plants that reach for the stars. But making cages out of this material is more difficult and expensive.

Once you determine the material you prefer, it’s good to consider the design elements of your tomato cage. Pruning and harvesting your tomatoes will require spaces for reaching through with your hands or tools, so make sure your cage accommodates that. The bottom of the cage needs to be open enough to allow for easy weeding and watering. It’s also good to consider where and how you will store your tomato cages over winter. Collapsible options are convenient, but sometimes weaker than cages that take up more space and weigh more.

Once you have determined what design and material you want to use, numerous websites will give you detailed instructions on building your tomato cages and the pros and cons of the multitude of designs available.

One thing is certain, you will need to support your tomatoes to get a healthier and more abundant harvest. Enjoy!