Although tomato cages have their benefits, they aren’t the only method for supporting the beloved homegrown ingredient used in salsas, salads, and sauces. There are numerous other options available. Many gardeners are exploring alternatives because tomato cages have some drawbacks, such as inhibiting air circulation, which increases the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases.
Gardeners wishing to switch should not hold onto their old cages solely due to concerns about waste. There’s no need to discard these support systems when there are several ways to repurpose them, like using one to create a DIY Christmas tree. Before deciding how to repurpose the cages, you must choose the specific alternative for supporting your tomato plants. Fortunately, there are various staking and trellising options to consider.
Wooden stakes
Staking promotes earlier harvests as plants receive more sunlight, and wood is a common material for stakes. When utilizing wooden stakes, select ones at least 1 inch wide for adequate support. Use a soft cloth strip to tie the vine to the stake, preventing stem damage. A downside of wood stakes is the difficulty in sanitizing them yearly. This method also involves significant work, as tomato plants must be consistently pruned down to a central stem.
Bamboo trellises
Trellising serves as an excellent tomato cage alternative by spreading foliage out, allowing plants to receive ample sunlight, excellent air circulation, and easy harvesting. For support, lightweight and affordable bamboo poles are ideal for crafting a DIY trellis. For those fond of this alternative, bamboo trellises are also perfect for growing cucumbers.
Bamboo stakes
Bamboo, a renewable resource, is favored by many gardeners for tomato supports and can be used for both staking and trellising. However, a single bamboo pole of typical stake diameter may lack strength, necessitating multiple poles per plant. Regardless of material, stake tomatoes before they require support, and remember to prune tomato plant suckers to maintain a central stem along the stake.
Metal trellises
While individual plant staking has its merits, staking isn’t as efficient for numerous tomato plants, making a trellis a superior alternative for some gardeners. A robust metal trellis crafted from rebar or cattle panels offers a more durable option in the garden. However, this heavier material is more challenging to relocate when rotating vegetable garden crops.
Teepee trellises
For a whimsical tomato cage alternative, use four or more bamboo stakes to form a teepee trellis. Secure the vines to the stakes to encourage growth on the teepee. This option may appeal to those seeking a unique garden oasis alongside support. Without pruning to one leader per pole, the teepee’s interior foliage can restrict air circulation, leading to fungal disease.
Florida weave
The Florida weave, a trellis-weaving technique popular on TikTok, is another option, particularly for determinate tomato varieties. Also called the basket weave or stake and weave method, stakes are placed at row ends, and twine is woven around plants and secured to posts. Use biodegradable sisal twine to avoid plastic waste in the garden. Additional twine levels are needed as plants grow.
Metal stakes
Metal stakes offer an advantage over wooden ones as they are non-porous, making them easier to clean and reducing pathogen risks yearly. Gardeners can use rebar or metal fence stakes, but should opt for the tallest possible stakes to support indeterminate tomato plants that can exceed 7 feet. Stakes should be driven at least 12 inches deep when used as supports.
String trellises
For a long-term garden system, a string trellis is an ingenious way to support tomato plants. Posts support an overhead beam or wire, and string is attached to the tomato plant base and the overhead support. As plants grow, gardeners clip stems to the string. Like staking methods, regular pruning is necessary to remove suckers.
Wooden trellises
Similar to bamboo and metal trellises, wooden trellises can also support tomato plants. A robustly constructed trellis can handle a heavy tomato load. Instead of buying from stores, repurpose materials like old wooden ladders for a DIY trellis in your vegetable garden.
Fences
Your garden’s best trellis might already exist. Whether a DIY bamboo fence, chain link, or another type, many fences can double as trellises. Wooden privacy fences aren’t suitable, as plants need to be woven or tied to the structure. Attach vines to fencing using soft fabric ties. This option may not protect crops in deer-prone areas.
Stick stakes or trellises
For a truly DIY option, gardeners can craft rustic stakes or trellises from yard sticks. Using fallen branches as stakes may not create a minimalist dream garden, but local sticks offer free tomato cage alternatives, compostable at season’s end.
Spiral metal stakes
Spiral metal rods offer a final option for keeping tomatoes off the ground. While not widely available, these supports add a unique, eye-catching element to the veggie patch for those who can find them. Best for smaller, determinate tomatoes, plants should be pruned to a single stem and attached to the rod with soft cloth strips.
“`
