The beauty of peonies is undeniable. From the stunning pink and red varieties to the yellows and whites, these lush flowers often capture the attention of even the most focused drivers as they pass through neighborhoods. However, peonies have a drawback—they tend to droop. Without support, many varieties struggle to remain upright and will eventually collapse. Moreover, traditional two-tier peony cages can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 or more, which can accumulate quickly if you have numerous bulbs. How can you save on supports when planting dozens of bulbs? There is a simple hack: cut your tomato cages in half.
Don’t let your hard work of planting and nurturing peonies go to waste by having them topple over from their own weight in the spring. A cage or support system is essential for these floral companions. You can purchase a tomato cage from Walmart for $3, cut it in half, and effectively double your savings the next time you buy supplies for new peony bulbs. This gardening trick is even more economical if you already have old tomato cages available. So, if you’re new to growing peonies and are still learning the ropes, remember that finding affordable yet effective support options for these top-heavy plants is time well spent.
Steps to make a DIY peony cage using a tomato cage
Keeping up with peony maintenance is crucial for achieving the best and longest-lasting blooms. A common mistake, especially among first-time growers, is neglecting to provide adequate support. The beauty of this hack is its simplicity; it requires minimal preparation, time, and money. All you need is a four-tier tomato cage (with four rings). Depending on the number of bulbs you have, you may need additional cages. You’ll also need a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters, such as the KSEIBI heavy-duty mini bolt cutter.
It’s also wise to wear heavy-duty gloves to prevent injuries when handling freshly cut cage wires. For this DIY project, use your cutters to snip the vertical stems on the cage just above the second ring, resulting in two separate two-tier cages. Drive the cage into the ground, ensuring the stakes are a few inches deep for support. Opt for rings that are at least 24 inches high to fully support tall-growing peonies.
Ideally, place the cage over the peonies early in the growing season, before the leaves unfold. This allows the stems to grow through the openings as the plants increase in height. Otherwise, you might damage them if they’re already fully leafed. The spacing and size of your bulbs will dictate how closely you can plant peonies, but generally, 2 to 3 feet per plant is recommended, with one bulb per cage. Planting them too closely can impede airflow.
Using wood to create a budget-friendly peony cage
While tomato cages are a quick solution for DIY peony cages, there are other cost-effective options to explore. If you’re committed to saving money on this project or have numerous peonies to grow, consider making a support cage from sturdy fallen branches in your yard (or nearby areas) or using Mininfa bamboo stakes. For this task, you’ll need FloraCraft garden wire and wire cutters, along with a total of ten sticks.
Begin by cutting four 24-inch pieces, four 12-inch pieces, and two 18-inch pieces from your sticks or stakes using the wire cutters. Then, bind two of the 18-inch sticks together with wire to form a cross shape. Next, take four 12-inch sticks and create a square shape, securing them together with wire to ensure stability. Place the square piece on your worktable, lay the crossed sticks on top, and secure them with wire in the center of the cross.
Finally, attach your four 24-inch sticks to the bottom of this assembly with wire, forming the legs for your DIY support cage. Remember, supporting your peonies goes beyond the cage. It’s essential to be familiar with the best methods for caring for your peonies in the fall, spring, and other seasons to ensure these ornamental plants flourish year after year.
