How to Make Tomato Cages from Fencing: Grow Bountiful Harvests on a Budget
Building tomato cages from fencing is a cost-effective and durable way to support your tomato plants, ensuring a plentiful harvest. This project involves measuring, cutting, shaping, and securing fencing to create sturdy cages that will last for years.
Why Build Your Own Tomato Cages?
Commercial tomato cages often lack the strength and size necessary to support mature, heavy tomato plants. They tend to be flimsy, collapse under the weight of the fruit, and require replacement every season. Building your own cages from fencing offers several advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Fencing materials are often more economical in the long run than purchasing pre-made cages, especially if you need multiple cages.
- Durability: Wire fencing is significantly stronger than the thin wire used in most commercially available cages.
- Customization: You can tailor the size and shape of your cages to fit the specific needs of your tomato varieties.
- Longevity: Fencing materials, especially coated wire, are designed to withstand outdoor conditions and last for many years.
- Sustainability: Reusing fencing materials or upcycling reduces waste and promotes sustainable gardening practices.
Choosing the Right Fencing Material
The type of fencing you choose significantly impacts the durability and longevity of your tomato cages. Here’s a comparison of popular options:
| Fencing Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Welded Wire Mesh | Readily available, relatively inexpensive, easy to cut and shape. | Can be prone to rust if not properly coated, may require additional support for very heavy plants. |
| Livestock Panels | Extremely strong and durable, requires minimal shaping, excellent for supporting large tomato varieties. | More expensive than welded wire mesh, can be difficult to cut and transport, requires heavier duty tools. |
| Hardware Cloth | Fine mesh prevents pests from accessing plants, durable and rust-resistant (galvanized versions). | More expensive than welded wire mesh, smaller openings may restrict airflow, can be challenging to work with due to its stiffness. |
| Reclaimed Fencing | Environmentally friendly, often available at a low cost, adds a rustic aesthetic to the garden. | May require cleaning and repair, potential for rust or damage, source dependent. |
When selecting fencing, prioritize galvanized or vinyl-coated materials to prevent rust and extend the lifespan of your cages. Consider the size of the openings in the mesh – larger openings (around 6 inches) allow for easier harvesting.
Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your Tomato Cages
Here’s a comprehensive guide to building tomato cages from fencing, focusing on welded wire mesh:
Gather Your Materials:
- Roll of welded wire mesh fencing (gauge and mesh size as desired)
- Wire cutters or bolt cutters
- Work gloves (essential for safety)
- Measuring tape
- Zip ties or hog rings (for securing the cage)
- Pliers (for working with hog rings)
Determine Cage Size: The size of your tomato cages will depend on the variety of tomato you are growing. Indeterminate varieties (those that continue to grow throughout the season) require larger cages. A good starting point is a cage 18-24 inches in diameter and 4-5 feet tall.
Measure and Cut the Fencing: Using your measuring tape, measure the required length of fencing. Use wire cutters or bolt cutters to cut the fencing to size. Be careful to cut the wires cleanly to avoid sharp edges.
Shape the Cage: Carefully roll the cut piece of fencing into a cylindrical shape. Overlap the edges by a few inches.
Secure the Cage: Use zip ties or hog rings to secure the overlapping edges together. If using zip ties, ensure they are UV-resistant for outdoor use. Hog rings offer a more permanent and durable solution. Space the zip ties or hog rings every 4-6 inches along the seam.
Reinforce the Bottom (Optional): For extra stability, you can reinforce the bottom of the cage by bending the bottom row of wires inward to create “feet.” This helps prevent the cage from sinking into the soil.
Placing the Cages: Position the cages over your tomato plants when they are still relatively small. Gently guide the plant’s stems through the mesh as they grow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too-Small Cages: This is the most common mistake. Underestimating the size of mature tomato plants leads to cages that are quickly outgrown.
- Choosing Flimsy Materials: Saving money by using thin, uncoated wire will result in cages that rust and collapse easily.
- Improper Securing: Failing to adequately secure the overlapping edges of the cage can cause it to unravel under the weight of the plants.
- Waiting Too Long to Install: Attempting to install cages on mature, sprawling tomato plants can be difficult and damage the plant.
- Ignoring Sharp Edges: Leaving sharp edges on the cut fencing can be dangerous to yourself and damage your plants. Always wear gloves and trim any sharp points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of fencing to use for tomato cages?
The best type of fencing depends on your budget and needs. Welded wire mesh is a good all-around option, offering a balance of cost, durability, and ease of use. Livestock panels are the most durable but also the most expensive and difficult to work with.
How tall should my tomato cages be?
The ideal height depends on the type of tomato you’re growing. Indeterminate varieties, which continue to grow throughout the season, need cages that are at least 4-5 feet tall. Determinate varieties, which grow to a specific size and then stop, may only need cages that are 3-4 feet tall.
What diameter should my tomato cages be?
A diameter of 18-24 inches is generally sufficient for most tomato varieties. However, larger varieties, such as beefsteak tomatoes, may benefit from cages that are 24-30 inches in diameter.
How do I prevent my tomato cages from falling over?
Securely embed the cages in the ground. You can also use stakes to provide additional support, especially for taller cages or in windy areas. Reinforcing the bottom of the cage by bending the bottom row of wires inward helps too.
Can I reuse my tomato cages year after year?
Yes! Tomato cages made from durable fencing material can be reused for many years. Clean the cages at the end of each season to remove any debris or disease spores. Store them in a dry place to prevent rust.
Is it necessary to use tomato cages?
While not strictly necessary, tomato cages provide significant benefits. They support the plants, preventing them from sprawling on the ground, which can lead to disease and pest problems. Cages also make harvesting easier and improve airflow around the plants.
What are hog rings and why are they useful?
Hog rings are small, C-shaped metal fasteners that are used to join pieces of wire together. They are more durable than zip ties and provide a more secure and permanent connection. They require a special tool to crimp them closed.
Can I use bamboo stakes instead of fencing for tomato supports?
Bamboo stakes can be used to support tomato plants, but they are not as strong or durable as fencing. Stakes require more frequent tying and adjustments as the plant grows. They are better suited for smaller determinate varieties.
How do I install the cages without damaging my tomato plants?
Install the cages when the tomato plants are still relatively small. Gently guide the plant’s stems through the mesh as you place the cage over it. Avoid forcing the stems through the mesh, as this can damage them.
What if my tomato plants outgrow their cages?
If your tomato plants outgrow their cages, you can add extensions to the top of the cages using additional fencing material or stakes. Be sure to secure the extensions firmly to prevent them from collapsing.
Can I use tomato cages for other plants?
Yes! Tomato cages can be used to support other vining or sprawling plants, such as peppers, cucumbers, and beans. Adjust the size and height of the cage as needed for the specific plant.
How do I store my tomato cages during the off-season?
Clean the cages thoroughly to remove any soil or plant debris. Stack them neatly in a dry place, such as a shed or garage, to prevent rust and damage. Consider applying a rust-inhibiting spray to prolong their lifespan.