How to Cage an Already Fully Grown Tomato Plant

Growing tomatoes can be a very rewarding experience – the juicy ripe fruit can add delicious flavor to any meal. However, once the tomato plant starts growing, it can become difficult to manage. The plant grows taller, the branches become heavy with fruit, and the added weight can cause the plant to lean. One way to prevent this is by using cages. Here's how to cage an already fully grown tomato plant.

Choose the Right Cage

The first step in caging your tomato plant is to select the right cage. Keep in mind that you want a cage that is strong enough to support the weight of the plant and the fruit. Therefore, it's best to choose a cage made of durable, heavy-duty materials like steel or galvanized wire.

Select a Good Spot

Before installing the cage, it's important to choose the right location for your tomato plant. Make sure to pick a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. The soil should be moist, but not wet. Also, make sure to give the plant enough space for proper growth. The cage should be set up around the plant in such a way that it doesn't cause any damage to the roots or branches.

Place the Cage Around the Plant

Once you have selected the right cage and spot for your plant, it's time to place the cage around the plant. This can be a bit tricky, especially if your plant is already fully grown. Start by gently pushing the branches aside and inserting the cage into the soil around the base of the plant. If the cage is large, you may need to slightly bend the top of the cage to get it around the plant. Once the cage is in place, make sure it's firmly anchored in the soil so it doesn't tip over.

Secure the Plant to the Cage

Now that the cage is in place, it's time to secure the plant to it. This is done to prevent the plant from leaning or falling over as it grows. Start by gently pushing the branches inside the cage, making sure they are not damaged in the process. Then, using plant ties or gardening clips, secure the branches to the cage. Make sure you tie the branches loosely so that they can still grow and expand.

Monitor and Prune Regularly

After you've caged your tomato plant, it's important to monitor it regularly for any signs of disease, pests, or stress. Tomato plants are susceptible to a variety of problems, including blight, aphids, and spider mites. Also, as your plant grows, it may need to be pruned. Remove any branches that are dead or damaged, as well as any suckers that are growing on the plant. This will help the plant focus its energy on producing healthy fruit.

Conclusion

Caging an already fully grown tomato plant can help keep it upright and healthy as it continues to grow. With the right cage, location, and care, your plant can produce delicious fruit that you can enjoy all season long. So get out there and start caging your tomato plant today!