Often asked: Concrete Reinforcing Wire Tomato Cages?

How big around should tomato cages 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).

What can I use instead of a tomato cage?

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.

Is it OK to use rusty tomato cages?

If you have some old tomato cages that have developed rust, they are safe to use. If they are still structurally stable and you don’t mind the appearance, use a wire brush to scrape off loose rust before putting them in the garden. A healthy tomato plant will eventually block out the view of the cage.

When should you put a tomato cage on?

1. Set a cage around plants shortly after planting while plants are still small.
2. Wood stakes are a simple and inexpensive solution.
3. 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.

What is the best way to stake tomatoes?

How to Stake Tomatoes in Rows

1. Drive a 4-5′ stake between every other plant in a row, then tightly tie twine to the first stake about 12″ from the soil line.
2. Run the length of twine by the first tomato, in-between the two plants, then around the second stake in a figure eight pattern.

How many tomato plants do I need for a family of 4?

Number of Plants Cherry tomatoes are extremely prolific. Though the fruit are small, plant one to four plants per person. This equals to four to 16 plants for a family of four.

What are the best tomato cages?

The Best Tomato Cages for Your Vegetable Garden

• Also Consider. MTB Supply Folding Tomato Cage Plant Support Tower.
• Best Overall. K-Brands Tomato Cage.
• Best Mini. LEOBRO 4 Pack Plant Support Stake.
• Best Set. GROWNEER 3 Packs Plant Cages Assembled Tomato Garden.
• Also Consider. MTB Supply Folding Tomato Cage Plant Support Tower.
• Best Overall.
• Best Mini.
• Best Set.

How do you support a tomato plant with string?

Instructions

1. Run a wire, pipe or stake between two 8′ high stakes.
2. Tie a string every 12″- 18″ so it hangs down towards the soil.
3. Secure the string to the soil at the base of your tomato with a garden pin by winding the string around the pin and shoving it in the soil.
4. Remove any suckers that have formed.

Are tomato cages necessary?

Tomato cages allow the plant to grow upwards. The heavy fruiting branches need support, and a bountiful harvest can be ruined with rot or disease if tomatoes are overcrowded, drooping or forming on the ground. Without a cage, the plant can topple over or break completely under its own weight.

How do you stack tomato cages?

In the past our tomato plants often grow over 6 feet tall so to make sure they stay supported with the heavy wind and encourage their growth we stack a tomato cage on top of the other. This is done by using zip ties to attach them and then tying the tomato cages to our structure with twine.