How to Train Tomato Plants in Cages

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in a garden, and for good reason! They’re easy to grow, tasty, and packed with important nutrients. However, if you want to get the most out of your tomato plants, you need to know how to train them properly. In this article, we’ll discuss how to train tomato plants in cages.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cage

The first step to training tomato plants in cages is to choose the right cage. You want to choose a cage that’s sturdy and tall enough for your tomato plants to grow in. Look for cages made from heavy-duty wire or metal and make sure the cage is at least 5-6 feet tall. Avoid using flimsy cages or ones that are too short, as they won’t provide enough support for your plants.

Step 2: Plant Your Tomato Plants

Once you’ve chosen your cage, it’s time to plant your tomato plants. Dig a hole in the soil that’s deep enough to accommodate the entire root ball of the tomato plant. Plant the tomato plant and fill in the soil around the base of the plant. Be sure to water the plant well after planting.

Step 3: Add the Cage

Once your plants are in the ground, it’s time to add the cage. Place the cage over the tomato plant, making sure it’s centered and secure in the soil. You may need to push the bottom of the cage into the soil slightly to ensure it’s stable.

Step 4: Train Your Tomato Plants

As your tomato plants grow, you’ll need to train them to grow up the cage. Gently bend the stems of the plant towards the cage and weave them in and out of the wire. This will help the plant grow tall and strong and prevent it from drooping or breaking under the weight of the fruit.

Step 5: Prune Your Tomato Plants

Pruning your tomato plants is an essential step in training them to grow in cages. In order to keep them from getting too bushy and sprawling, you’ll want to remove the suckers that grow between the main stem and the branches. These suckers won’t produce fruit and will only rob the plant of nutrients it needs to grow strong.

Step 6: Water and Fertilize Regularly

Finally, it’s important to water and fertilize your tomato plants regularly. Tomatoes need consistent moisture and nutrients to grow and produce fruit. Water your plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Fertilize your plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer that’s high in potassium, the nutrient that helps produce big, juicy tomatoes!

Conclusion

Training tomato plants in cages is an easy and effective way to support your plants and encourage them to grow tall and strong. By following these six steps, you’ll be well on your way to growing healthy, productive tomato plants that will provide you with a bountiful harvest all season long!