What Do Cages Do Around Tomato Plants?

If you're thinking about growing tomatoes, you've probably heard about using tomato cages. Tomato cages are an effective way to keep tomato plants upright and orderly. But what do cages do around tomato plants, exactly? In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using tomato cages and how to use them properly.

The Benefits of Using Tomato Cages

When it comes to growing tomatoes, there are many benefits to using tomato cages. Here are some of the top reasons why gardeners use tomato cages:

Support: Tomato cages provide support to tomato plants, which helps prevent them from falling over as they grow taller and heavier.

Airflow: Tomato cages also promote airflow around the plants, which helps prevent disease and pest problems.

Space-saving: Tomato cages are a space-saving method of growing tomatoes, as they take up less room than other support methods like stakes or trellises.

Overall, using tomato cages is an effective way to ensure your tomato plants are healthy, productive, and easy to manage.

How to Use Tomato Cages

Now that you know the benefits of using tomato cages, you might be wondering how to use them. Here are some steps to follow:

Choose the right size: Make sure you choose tomato cages that are the appropriate size for your plants. The diameter of the cage should be large enough to accommodate the plant and its mature size.

Place the cage: As you plant your tomatoes, place the cage around the seedling, being careful not to damage the roots or stems. Push the legs of the cage into the soil to anchor it in place.

Add support: If your tomato plants are particularly tall or heavy, you may want to add additional support to the cage. You can do this by tying the plant to the cage with twine or securing it with additional stakes.

Prune the plants: As your tomatoes grow, prune the plants by removing any suckers or additional branches that are growing off the main stem. This will help prevent overcrowding and ensure that the plant is properly supported by the cage.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your tomato plants are properly supported and healthy throughout the growing season.

Conclusion

Tomato cages are an effective and space-saving method of supporting tomato plants. By providing support and promoting airflow around the plants, tomato cages can help ensure that your tomatoes are healthy, productive, and easy to manage. By choosing the right size cage, placing the cage carefully, adding support if necessary, and pruning the plants, you can ensure that your tomato plants thrive throughout the growing season.