What to do with tomato plants that have outgrown cage

If you're an avid gardener, you know that tomato plants can quickly outgrow their cages. While this is a sign of a healthy plant, it can also present some challenges. If you find yourself with tomato plants that have outgrown their cages, here are some options to consider.

Option 1: Add support

The first option to consider is to add support to your tomato plants. You can do this by installing stakes or trellises for the plants to grow on. This will give your tomato plants the necessary support they need to keep growing straight and tall.

If you're using stakes, be sure to drive them deep into the soil so that they can support the weight of the plant as it grows. You can use twine or clips to tie the plant to the stake, helping it to grow upright.

If you're using a trellis, make sure it's strong enough to support the weight of the plant. You can train the plant to grow up the trellis by gently tying it to the structure as it grows.

Option 2: Prune the plant

If your tomato plant has become too bushy and is overwhelming its cage, you may want to consider pruning it. Pruning will help remove some of the excess foliage and branches, allowing the plant to focus on producing more tomatoes.

When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean clippers or scissors. Cut back any branches or leaves that are growing too close to the ground or are blocking sunlight from reaching the fruit. Be careful not to remove too much foliage, as this can stress the plant and reduce its overall yield.

Option 3: Transplant the plant

If your tomato plant has outgrown its cage and is still growing rapidly, you may want to consider transplanting it to a larger container or moving it to a larger garden bed. This will give the plant more room to grow and spread out.

When transplanting the plant, be sure to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Gently remove the plant from its current container or garden and transfer it to the new location. Water the plant immediately after transplanting to give it a good start.

Option 4: Build a larger cage

If you don't want to prune your tomato plant or transplant it, you may want to consider building a larger cage for it to grow in. This will give the plant more support and keep it contained as it continues to grow.

You can easily build a larger tomato cage using wooden stakes and chicken wire. Create a circle with the stakes and wrap the chicken wire around the outside. Secure the chicken wire to the stakes with zip ties or wire.

This larger cage will not only provide more support for your growing tomato plant, but it will also make it easier to pick the fruit when it's ready.

In Conclusion

Tomato plants that have outgrown their cages can present some challenges for gardeners. However, there are several options to consider, including adding support, pruning the plant, transplanting it, or building a larger cage. Choose the option that works best for you and your garden, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!