Growing tomatoes can be incredibly rewarding, but without proper support, your tomato plants can become unruly and produce less fruit. Here are 16 creative DIY tomato cage ideas to help you keep your tomato plants upright and healthy. These ideas range from simple and budget-friendly to more elaborate designs, so there’s something for everyone!
1. Simple Stake Cage
Materials:
- Wooden stakes
- Garden twine
Instructions:
- Drive four stakes into the ground around each tomato plant.
- Use garden twine to create horizontal supports by wrapping it around the stakes every 6-8 inches.
2. Wire Mesh Cage
Materials:
- Wire mesh or hardware cloth
- Wire cutters
Instructions:
- Cut a piece of wire mesh to your desired height and width.
- Form a cylinder and secure the ends together.
- Place the cylinder over the tomato plant and anchor it with stakes.
3. Bamboo Teepee Cage
Materials:
- Bamboo poles
- Garden twine
Instructions:
- Gather three to four bamboo poles.
- Arrange them in a teepee shape around the tomato plant.
- Secure the tops with garden twine and tie additional twine horizontally for support.
4. Concrete Reinforcing Wire Cage
Materials:
- Concrete reinforcing wire
- Wire cutters
Instructions:
- Cut a length of concrete reinforcing wire and bend it into a cylindrical shape.
- Secure the ends together.
- Place the cage over the tomato plant and anchor it with stakes.
5. PVC Pipe Cage
Materials:
- PVC pipes and connectors
- PVC cutter
Instructions:
- Cut the PVC pipes to your desired lengths.
- Assemble a cage using the pipes and connectors.
- Place the cage over the tomato plant.
6. Tomato Ladder
Materials:
- Wooden planks
- Nails or screws
Instructions:
- Cut wooden planks to form two side panels and several crossbars.
- Attach the crossbars to the side panels to create a ladder-like structure.
- Place the ladder over the tomato plant.
7. Recycled T-Shirt Cage
Materials:
- Old T-shirts
- Wooden stakes
Instructions:
- Cut the T-shirts into long strips.
- Tie the strips around the stakes to create a stretchy, flexible cage.
8. Spiral Metal Cage
Materials:
- Metal rod
- Pliers
Instructions:
- Use pliers to bend a metal rod into a spiral shape.
- Insert the spiral into the ground next to the tomato plant.
9. Bicycle Wheel Cage
Materials:
- Old bicycle wheels
- Metal rods or pipes
Instructions:
- Attach the bicycle wheels to metal rods or pipes.
- Place the rods into the ground around the tomato plant, forming a circular cage.
10. Hula Hoop Cage
Materials:
- Hula hoops
- Garden twine
- Stakes
Instructions:
- Place two hula hoops around the tomato plant.
- Use garden twine to secure the hoops to stakes driven into the ground.
11. Pallet Cage
Materials:
- Wooden pallets
- Nails or screws
Instructions:
- Disassemble the wooden pallets.
- Reassemble the wood into a cage structure around the tomato plant.
12. Crib Rail Cage
Materials:
- Old crib rails
- Zip ties or twine
Instructions:
- Secure old crib rails in a square or triangular shape around the tomato plant using zip ties or twine.
13. Ladder Cage
Materials:
- Old wooden ladder
Instructions:
- Place an old wooden ladder over the tomato plant.
- Use the rungs as support for the growing plant.
14. Hog Panel Cage
Materials:
- Hog panels
- Wire cutters
Instructions:
- Cut the hog panels to the desired size.
- Form them into a cylindrical shape and secure the ends.
- Place the cage over the tomato plant and anchor it.
15. Old Bed Frame Cage
Materials:
- Metal bed frame
- Garden twine
Instructions:
- Repurpose an old metal bed frame.
- Place the frame over the tomato plant and use garden twine to create additional supports if needed.
16. String and Stake Cage
Materials:
- Wooden stakes
- Garden string
Instructions:
- Drive stakes into the ground around the tomato plant.
- Create a web of support using garden string tied between the stakes.
Conclusion
Creating your own tomato cages can be a fun and cost-effective way to support your plants and ensure a bountiful harvest. These 16 DIY tomato cage ideas offer a variety of solutions to fit different garden styles and needs.