Tomato Cages for your Vegetable Garden
Tomato cages not only support tomatoes and encourage them to grow but they allow them to develop naturally. Before purchasing tomato cages make sure they are designed so that plants will grow vertically without the fruit and leaves weighing down the stems. If tomato cages aren’t sturdy enough as the plant becomes more mature, the stems will be too heavy for the tomato cages. Also, strong winds can easily blow over flimsy tomato cages.
Most tomato cages you see in the store are made of a light wire - these may not be sturdy enough to provide the required support, and they only last one season. Instead look for tomato cages that are sturdy, made of a heavier metal and flexible enough to adjust to your plants growth.
Tomato cages should also be tall enough for plants to grow to full height – at least five feet or more for most varieties.
Tomato cages come in a variety of guises, not just wire, from homemade support systems using wood and twine to spiral designs. However, one of the best types of tomato cages to look for are the ones that are very sturdy, make of a heavy metal, one that has the ability to grow with the plant, and one that you can use for several seasons.
If you compare the tomatoes produced in tomato cages you will generally find that these are plumper and juicier than those grown on plants that were staked improperly.
When you use tomato cages be careful to tie the plant correctly, otherwise you can damage the stems. Tomato cages allow air to circulate freely through the plants and the foliage naturally shades the fruit. Using soft garden twine or plastic ties with your tomato cages is a good idea.
Whether you are using stakes or tomato cages, hammer these into place when the seedlings are still small to avoid disturbing the roots later.
Tips for Planting Tomatoes
Tomatoes are easy to grow, and with minimal effort you can produce a plentiful summer crop for the table. So here are some expert tips for planting tomatoes:
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When planting tomatoes, remember that they need plenty of well-drained soil.
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Build your tomato cage around young plants or stake it early when planting tomatoes so as not to disturb the roots.
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You will find it best when planting tomatoes, to ensure the soil has plenty of compost and manure dug into it. You can also use a chemical or organic fertilizer to improve soil quality.
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Although it is generally best to find a sunny position when planting tomatoes, they do benefit from some shade in the afternoon.
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If you are planting tomatoes from seed, use seed trays and transplant seedlings when they are about six weeks old.
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For variety, mix a few different types in one bed or container when planting tomatoes.
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Discard weak and undeveloped seedlings when planting tomatoes.
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Remember to use a heavy duty stakes or sturdy tomato cages when planting tomatoes in containers, or in the ground.
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When planting tomatoes in a vegetable garden, you can stop them from spreading by staking them properly to grow upwards, rather than outwards. Also remember when planting tomatoes to use soft garden twine or plastic ties to secure the plant to the stakes.
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After planting tomatoes, allow the fruit to fully ripen on the plant – these are the tastiest tomatoes you can get.
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