If you’re looking to increase your tomato yield this season, investing in a quality tomato cage is a great place to start. And while there are many different types and styles of tomato cages on the market, we’ve rounded up the five best options to help make your decision easier. From heavy-duty steel cages to more lightweight and portable options, there’s a tomato cage here for every need and budget. So whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a beginner gardener, read on for the best tomato cages to buy.
Choosing The Best Tomato Cages
When it comes to tomato cages, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size and weight of your tomatoes — you’ll want a cage that can support the fruit as it grows. Second, think about how easy the cage is to set up and take down — you don’t want something that’s going to be a hassle every time you need to use it. And finally, consider your budget — tomato cages can range in price from around $10 to $100 or more.
With all that in mind, here are the five best tomato cages for every need and budget.
1. The Best Heavy-Duty Tomato Cage: Glamos Wire 18-Inch Round Tomato Cage
If you’re looking for a tomato cage that’s built to last, the Glamos Wire 18-Inch Round Tomato Cage is a great option. Made of heavy-duty steel, this cage can support up to 50 pounds of weight, making it ideal for larger tomatoes. It’s also easy to set up and take down, and it comes in a set of three so you can use them for multiple plants.
2. The Best Portable Tomato Cage: Mr. Stacky 5-Tier Strawberry and Herb Planter
If you’re looking for a tomato cage that’s easy to move around, the Mr. Stacky 5-Tier Strawberry and Herb Planter is a great option. This stackable planter has five levels that can be used for different plants, and it comes with wheels so you can easily move it around your garden. It’s also made of durable plastic that’s weather-resistant and easy to clean.
3. The Best Tomato Cage for Small Spaces: Gardener’s Supply Company 4-Foot Tomato Cage
If you’re tight on space in your garden, the Gardener’s Supply Company 4-Foot Tomato Cage is a great option. This compact cage is just four feet tall but it can still support up to 40 pounds of weight. It’s also made of powder-coated steel that’s rust-resistant, and it has a removable bottom panel for easy harvesting.
4. The Best Wooden Tomato Cage: Good Directions Lazy Hill Farm Designs Garden Planter
If you’re looking for a more traditional tomato cage, the Good Directions Lazy Hill Farm Designs Garden Planter is a great option. This cage is made of rot-resistant cedar wood, and it’s designed to weather the elements. It’s also easy to assemble, and it comes with a removable liner for easy planting.
5. The Best Budget Tomato Cage: Gardener’s Supply Company Expandable Tomato Cage
If you’re on a budget, the Gardener’s Supply Company Expandable Tomato Cage is a great option. This inexpensive cage is made of powder-coated steel, and it can expand from 18 inches to 36 inches to accommodate different plant sizes.
No matter what your needs, there’s a tomato cage on this list that’s perfect for you. So get ready to increase your yield and enjoy some delicious homegrown tomatoes this season.
How Do I Choose the Right Cages?
Indeterminate tomato cultivars that require cage support are the most common. These plants have a tendency to grow quite large, reaching six feet or more in height. They produce fruit all season long until killed by frost. The determinate varieties are more compact, topping out at around four feet tall. They produce a single flush of fruit all at once and then they’re done for the season.
If you’re not sure which type of tomato plant you have, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose a cage that’s taller rather than shorter. That way, you can be sure your plant will have plenty of support as it grows.
When it comes to material, steel cages are generally the most durable option. If you live in an area with high winds, you’ll also want to choose a cage that’s made of heavy-duty steel. Otherwise, you can choose a lighter-weight steel cage or one made of plastic or wood.
Different Types of Tomato Cages
There are several different types of tomato cages available on the market. Here’s a look at some of the most popular options:
- The Round Tomato Cage: The round tomato cage is the most common type of cage. It’s typically made of steel or plastic, and it has a circular shape.
- The Square Tomato Cage: The square tomato cage is less common than the round cage, but it can be a good option for smaller gardens. These cages are typically made of steel or plastic, and they have a square or rectangular shape.
- The Octagonal Tomato Cage: The octagonal tomato cage is less common than the round and square cages, but it can be a good option for larger gardens. These cages are typically made of steel or plastic, and they have an octagonal shape.
- The Folding Tomato Cage: A folding tomato cage is a good option if you need to save space in your garden. These cages are typically made of steel or plastic, and they fold flat for easy storage.
- The Wall-Mounted Tomato Cage: A wall-mounted tomato cage is a good option if you have limited space in your garden. These cages are typically made of steel or plastic, and they’re designed to be mounted on a wall or fence.
How to Set Up a Tomato Cage
Setting up a tomato cage is a simple process. First, choose a location for your cage. Then, insert the legs of the cage into the ground. If you’re using a round or square cage, you’ll need to put the legs in at an angle so that the cage is stable. If you’re using an octagonal cage, you’ll need to put the legs in at different angles so that the cage is stable. Once the cage is in place, you can add your tomato plant.
It’s important to note that you should only set up your cage after your plant has been transplanted into the garden. If you set up the cage before transplanting, you run the risk of damaging the roots of your plant.
How to Take Down a Tomato Cage
Taking down a tomato cage is just as easy as setting one up. First, remove your tomato plant from the cage. Then, pull the legs of the cage out of the ground. If you’re using a round or square cage, you’ll need to pull the legs out at an angle so that the cage doesn’t collapse. If you’re using an octagonal cage, you’ll need to pull the legs out at different angles so that the cage doesn’t collapse. Once the cage is out of the ground, you can fold it flat for easy storage.
Staking Tomato Plants
In addition to using cages, you can also stake your tomato plants. Staking is a good option if you have limited space in your garden, or if you want to keep your plants off the ground. There are several different ways to stake tomato plants, but the most common method is to use bamboo stakes.
To stake your tomato plants, first choose a location for your stakes. Then, insert the stakes into the ground. You’ll need to insert them at an angle so that they’re stable. Once the stakes are in place, you can tie your tomato plants to the stakes using plant ties or Twine.
How to Prune Tomato Plants
Pruning your tomato plants is a good way to encourage growth and produce larger fruits. There are several different ways to prune tomato plants, but the most common method is to remove the suckers.
Suckers are small shoots that grow in the joints between the main stem and the branches of a tomato plant. They don’t produce fruit, and they compete with the branches for resources. To remove suckers, simply snap them off at the joint where they meet the main stem or branch.
It’s important to note that you should only prune your plants after they’ve been transplanted into the garden.
When to Harvest Tomato Plants
The best time to harvest your tomato plants is when the fruits are ripe. To determine if a fruit is ripe, you can gently squeeze it. If it’s soft to the touch, it’s ready to be picked. You can also check the color of the fruit. Most tomatoes will turn red or orange when they’re ripe.
Once you’ve harvested your tomato plants, you can store the fruits in a cool, dry place.
Do Your Research
Before you start growing tomatoes, it’s important to do your research. There are many different types of tomato plants, and each one has its own specific needs. By doing your research, you can choose the type of plant that will best suit your garden.
You should also research the best time to transplant your plants into the garden. Transplanting too early or too late can seriously damage your plants.
Finally, you should research the best way to water your plants. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the fruits to crack.
Favorite Eco-Friendly and Homemade Cage Choices
There are many different types of tomato cages on the market, but not all of them are eco-friendly. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, you can try using recycled materials, such as old fencing or wire hangers. You can also make your own tomato cage out of bamboo stakes and Twine.
When it comes to choosing the right tomato cage for your garden, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to decide how large your plants will be when they’re fully grown. Second, you need to choose a cage that’s tall enough to support your plants. Finally, you need to choose a cage that’s made out of durable materials.
Recycled Tomato Cages
One of the best eco-friendly options for tomato cages is to use recycled materials. There are many different types of recycled materials that you can use, such as old fencing, wire hangers, or even PVC pipes.
To use recycled materials for your tomato cage, simply repurpose the material into the shape of a cylinder. Then, insert the cylinder into the ground. You can secure it in place by driving stakes into the ground around it.
Homemade Tomato Cages
You can also make your own tomato cage out of bamboo stakes and Twine. To do this, simply drive the bamboo stakes into the ground in a circle. Then, tie the Twine around the stakes to create a cylinder.
The Best Alternative Method: Fencing
If you’re looking for a durable and eco-friendly option for your tomato plants, you should consider using fencing. Fencing is a great option because it’s strong enough to support your plants and it will last for many years.
To use fencing for your tomato cage, simply Drive the posts of the fence into the ground in a circle. Then, attach the panels of the fence to the posts. You can secure the panels in place by nailing them to the posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stake or cage tomatoes?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on your personal preferences and the needs of your plants. Some gardeners prefer to stake their tomato plants, while others prefer to use cages.
Do tomato cages really work?
Tomato cages are a popular way to support tomato plants, but they’re not the only option. Some gardeners prefer to stake their plants, while others use trellises. There is no definitive answer as to whether or not tomato cages work. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the needs of your plants.
What is the best size for a tomato cage?
The best size for a tomato cage depends on the size of your plants. You should choose a cage that’s tall enough to support your plants and wide enough to give them plenty of room to grow.
How do you make a tomato cage out of bamboo?
To make a tomato cage out of bamboo, simply drive the bamboo stakes into the ground in a circle. Then, tie the twine around the stakes to create a cylinder.
What can I use instead of tomato cages?
There are many different options for tomato support, such as stakes, trellises, or even chicken wire. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the needs of your plants.
What is the best way to cage tomatoes?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on your personal preferences and the needs of your plants. Some gardeners prefer to use recycled materials, while others prefer to make their own cages out of bamboo or PVC pipes.
Do spiral tomato stakes work?
Spiral tomato stakes are a popular option for tomato support, but they’re not the only option. Some gardeners prefer to use cages, while others prefer to stake their plants. There is no definitive answer as to whether or not spiral tomato stakes work. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the needs of your plants.
How do you keep cats out of tomato cages?
If you’re trying to keep cats out of your tomato cage, you can try using a wire mesh or chicken wire. You can also try staking your cage to the ground to make it more difficult for cats to get inside.
How do you make a cheap tomato cage?
There are many different ways to make a cheap tomato cage. One option is to use recycled materials, such as old fencing, wire hangers, or even PVC pipes. Another option is to make your own cage out of bamboo stakes and Twine.
What is the best tomato support?
The is no “best” option here. Some gardeners prefer to use cages, while others prefer to stake their plants. It depends on personal preferences.
Wrapping Up The Best Cages for Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden. When growing tomatoes, it’s important to choose the right type of cage for your plants. There are many different types of cages on the market, but not all of them are created equal. To find the best cage for your tomato plants, you should consider the size of your plants, the height of the cage, and the material it’s made out of. You should also consider whether you want an eco-friendly option.
By following these guidelines, you can be sure to find the perfect cage for your tomato plants.
I’m Michael Barnes and I love what I do. Every day, I get to work with the land and help create something that is essential for life. But it’s not always easy. Every day brings new challenges or unexpected natural disasters in order to produce what we need every day: meat; fruit, juice, and healthy dairy products!
