How to Make a Tomato Cage
Making tomato cages is not too difficult. If you’re growing a small, bush-like tomato plant, a small cage (purchased from most garden centers) or even a tomato stake should be adequate. However, larger tomato plants require something a bit sturdier, such as homemade wire cages. In fact, some of the best tomato cages are homemade rather than purchased. Depending on the materials or method used, building tomato cages is relatively inexpensive. On average, heavy gauge, wire-mesh fencing is used for making tomato cages. Most people choose to use fencing that is approximately 60 inches by 60 inches (1.5 x 1.5 m.) tall (purchased in rolls) with 6 inch (15 cm.) square openings. Of course, you can also choose to recycle poultry fencing (chicken wire) into makeshift tomato cages too. Using what you have on hand can be a very cost-effective method for tomato cage construction.
Steps for Building Tomato Cages
Measure off and cut the desired length of fencing. Lay this out on the ground to cut and roll it up into a column when finished. Then weave a wooden stake or short piece of pipe through the wires. This will anchor the cage to the ground. Hammer it into the ground next to the tomato plant.
While tomatoes that are grown inside cages rarely need to be tied, you can give the vines a helping hand by loosely tying the stalks to the cage with pieces of soft twine, cloth, or pantyhose. As the plants grow, simply tie them to the cage. Caged tomato fruits are generally cleaner and of better quality than those that are grown without adequate support. Making tomato cages takes little effort and can be used again each year. This also makes any purchased materials money well spent. Now that you know how to build a tomato cage, you can make them for your own garden.
