Homemade Tomato Cage for Best Tomato Support

We have talked about the value of a tomato ladder for those plants that grown rather tall. Perhaps, the tomato ladder is the most esthetically appealing. Then, there is the tomato cage made of wire that can be purchased at almost any home and garden store. We suggest the folding tomato cage for those who wish to purchase a wire frame cage. There are two basic reasons for the folding cage. First, they are usually much sturdier and secondly, they are reusable.

Both the tomato ladder and the folding cages are quite good for the small gardener. However, for the family who is serious about raising tomatoes and plant more than one or two plants each year, the homemade tomato cage is our first choice. The whole idea of a cage or ladder is tomato support.

Any gardener who grows or has grown beefsteak tomatoes knows that each tomato can weigh a pound or more. As shown in the picture, the tomato cage made from pvc is stronger, larger and offers a better support. Many of the "store bought" cages are made of relatively thin wire. The weight of the tomato fruit can cause the plant to become damaged as the vine drapes across the cage. The pvc pipe is much wider in diameter, offering a better support that is less likely to cut into the vine.

Needless to say, the example shown in the picture is designed for quite a few plants and is a somewhat complicated and more permanent garden fixture. The gardener who is only growing one, two or three plants can make individual pvc cages in a triangular shape.

Building a tomato cage from pvc will take a little more effort than making a quick trip to the store or ordering a folding cage online. However, it could be worth the effort in the long run.