Do Tomatillo Plants Need Tomato Cages?

Tomatillo plants belong to the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes. They are native to Mexico and are a staple in many Mexican dishes. Growing tomatillo plants can be easy if you provide the right growing conditions. One question that comes up often is whether tomatillo plants need tomato cages. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question.

Understanding Tomatillo Plants

Tomatillo plants are bushy and can grow up to 4 feet tall. They produce a fruit that is similar in size and shape to a small green tomato, which is covered by a papery husk. The fruit is tart and is used in many dishes, including salsa verde, soups, stews, and sauces. Tomatillo plants are easy to grow, and they do well in full sun and well-drained soil. They also need adequate water and regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer.

The Benefits of Using Tomato Cages

Many gardeners use tomato cages to support tomato plants, but they can also be used for tomatillo plants. Tomato cages provide several benefits, including:

Support: Tomatillo plants can get heavy with fruit, and without support, their stems may bend or break. Tomato cages provide support for the plants and ensure that the fruit stays off the ground, which reduces the risk of rot.

Space-saving: Tomatillo plants can take up a lot of space in the garden. Tomato cages help to contain the plants, ensuring that they do not sprawl out and take up more space than necessary. This also makes it easier to harvest the fruit.

Aerates the Plants: Tomato cages allow air to flow around the plants, which reduces the risk of diseases such as powdery mildew. By keeping the plants off the ground, you enhance air circulation and prevent the buildup of moisture.

Alternatives to Tomato Cages

While tomato cages are a great option for supporting tomatillo plants, there are other alternatives that you can use. One of the most popular alternatives is the tomato stake, which is a tall wooden or metal pole that you can use to support the plant. You can tie the plant to the stake using garden twine, which provides support while allowing the plant to grow freely.

Another option is to use a trellis. Trellises are made of wire or wood and are placed in the ground near the plants. The plants grow up the trellis and can be kept upright with garden twine. Trellises are a great space-saving option and provide excellent air circulation.

In Conclusion

Tomatillo plants need support to prevent their stems from bending or breaking, and tomato cages are a great way to provide that support. They are space-saving, aerate the plants, and are easy to install. However, you can also use tomato stakes or trellises for your tomatillo plants. Whichever option you choose, make sure that you provide adequate support to help your plants produce an abundant and healthy harvest.