Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations . If you press links we leave , we may receive compensation .
Keep your love apple supported and off from the terra firma .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
If you want toharvest a hefty Lycopersicon esculentum crop , put in a good tomato cage ( or mayhap a half 12 or so ) , is an essential first measure . While you do n’t dead need a cage to grow Lycopersicon esculentum , they increase the chance of an abundant harvest by helping to keep plants sizable . Plus , they keep your plant life contained so they do n’t take over your whole garden .
“ An excellent rationality to cage your tomatoes is that they keep vining fruits off the ground and prevent diseases and pest , ” saysCarrie Spoonemore , co - Jehovah of Park Seed ’s From Seed to smooch app . “ A cage can render ask sustenance and prevent plant from breaking off or being knocked over . ”
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Of naturally , not all love apple cages are created equal . The best tomato cages need to be sturdy enough to support the weightiness of your Lycopersicon esculentum crop and prevent plants from topple over in the steer .
Cages are available in various shapes , such as cone - shape , triangular , and square — and some are sturdier than others . Strong and weather - resistant materials are important features , too .
We researched a spacious variety of tomato Cage and found the best alternative . Our top picks admit sturdy cages for supporting with child tomato plant plant and portable cages that can close up away for efficient storage when the gardening season is over , as well as everything in between .
Credit: Amazon
What We Researched
When research the best tomato cages , we considered factors likematerial , sizing , and shape .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Happy Trees Heavy Duty Tomato Cages
Quick Take
Made of galvanized steel , it ’s tough and long-wearing , making it an ideal choice for heavy tomato varieties .
Its relatively prominent footprint will take up a fair amount of space in the garden , so they may not work for smaller spaces .
Everything You Need to Know
In addition to researching this product , we also try out it for ourselves . TheHappy Trees Large Heavy Duty Tomato Cagewas one of the most high - quality cage we ’ve used .
We have it off that this heavy - duty cage was extra inflexible and worked well for all tomato varieties , including magnanimous tomato plants with heavy crops of fruit and vigorousindeterminate tomatovarieties . It ’s made in the USA from thick gauge startle sword that will ensure it lasts for many horticulture seasons — making it well worth the relatively high price tag .
The square intent is potent and sturdier than traditional cone - shape tomato cages that are sold at most garden centers . In our examination , these cages suffer up to thunderstorm and gamey winds , maintain plant life safe from falling over and being damaged .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
There ’s no assembly required , and after the gardening time of year is over , you could shut the cages 2-dimensional to make them easier to lay in if you ’re short on space or want tokeep your shed organized .
These cages are 18 - inches square , which provides plenty of space for large tomato variety and also helps improve melodic phrase circulation around the plant . The magnanimous open design also shit harvest andpruning your tomato plant plantseasier , too .
At 58 inches marvelous , the coop were slightly cumbersome to place over newly planted tomatoes . Once in the soil , they ’re well suited for supporting a form of flora . If you have enough space for their relatively tumid footmark , we found that these tomato cages will serve you well .
Product Details
Product Images
“ This product would be perfect for someone who want to grow larger varieties of tomatoes or other climbing veggies with heavy fruit such as melons , squash , and cucumbers . ” -Viveka Neveln , senior garden editor at Better Homes & Gardens
Key Terms to Know
Best Splurge
Gardeners Supply Company Titan Tomato Cages
The gang can be reposition to suit your specific plants .
These do call for some assembly .
Lycopersicon esculentum cage need to support heavy plants and stand up to the factor , and we happen that this cage can do both . Made with a sturdy , weatherproof steel underframe , this tomato cage can affirm large plants with a operose craw of tomatoes .
Polyethylene charge card casing forestall the steel wires from chipping and is aristocratic on plant shank . We found the black colour of the coating to be architectural and striking . It made the cages stand out from the garden foliage rather than blend in like supports that are silver or green . The cages were relatively prosperous to assemble ( and disassemblewhen the grow seasonwas over ) .
We try this product in add-on to theHappy Trees Large Heavy Duty Tomato Cage , and the accompaniment ring easily snap on to the four pole a bit unevenly . But this did not seem to affect the durability of the batting cage . Each ring can be repositioned to give your flora more support where they require it . This help to better accommodate different heights andtypes of tomato plants .
Although some assembly was require , we like the fact that these love apple cages are lightweight yet durable enough to last for years . The cage are sturdier and taller than the traditional cone - shape cage and can accommodate up to strong winds .
They look stylish out in the garden , without take in up too much space , and can stand up to heavy rains without rust . Plus , the heavy power system on these cage make it easy to contact in and harvest tomatoes when they are ripe .
Best Small
Garmeinea Plant Support Cages
The low cage is cover with a weather - resistant plastic coating .
They are not big enough to support many full - grown tomato varieties , so tally on the ripe size of your plant or be disposed to add another cage later .
If you ’re front for a cage for pocket-sized tomato plants , weigh theGarmeinea Plant Support Cages . The cage is 18 inch improbable , making it perfect to serve hold up small tomato , such as some varieties of cherry tomatoes .
You could use it for youthful industrial plant and establish a larger cage around the plant afterwards . Because of its small sizing , this cage will belike work well for other types of plants , such as herbs , peonies , or lily . The cage can also be easily used togrow tomatoes in container .
The cone shape of this cage is not as inflexible as other types of cages because its narrowest part is at the base — but this one is sturdier and more durable than many other cone - shape cages that are available . Clasps are steel rather than plastic , and a strong steel core is incubate with a conditions - tolerant credit card finish to increase durability .
As a incentive , the set comes with 98 feet of twist railroad tie , which can be used to splice your flora to the cage ’s wires . Before using this cage , you should confirm the mature height of the plant ( tomato plant or otherwise ) that you are using it for to make certain this is the correct fit .
Best Large
K-Brands Tomato Cages
This adjustable tomato John Cage allows you to lodge a diverseness of different works size .
Light assembly is required .
For magnanimous love apple plants , theK - Brands Tomato Cageis the best tomato cage . This tomato cage can extend up to 68 inch tall , allowing it to easily support bombastic love apple plants .
It ’s also adjustable , so you could commence out with a John Milton Cage Jr. just 16 in tall , then increase the height up to 68 inches as the works gets bigger . Snap - on cartridge clip make it quick and well-off to adjust the elevation .
Several built - in slots for nosepiece connector on the cage also allow you to choose between several widths ( 7 , 9 , or 11 in ) to hold different Lycopersicon esculentum variety and growth habits . threatening - duty metal heart and soul stakes and long-lasting plastic connective see these tomato cages will abide up to the elements — and hold up your plants , too .
The cage ’s tall meridian encourages plants to produce up rather than out , so you could relieve space in your garden . When plants grow marvellous , they will also meet more sunshine and are probable to produce more fruit . In addition to tomatoes , this cage can also work well for Cucumis sativus , eggplant , grapevine , and edible bean .
Best for Grow Bags
Growneer Plant Cages
This outfit amount with cages , grow purse , and even the magazine and twist draw to bind the plant to the stakes .
You ’ll have to water tomato plant plant more often in grow bags .
Grow pocketbook can avail improve air circulation and drainage , since they cool the soil down and help you obviate overwatering your plants . If you ’re interested in trying your hand at grow tomato plants in grow travelling bag , theGrowneer Plant Cagesmight be for you . In addition to three Lycopersicon esculentum cage , you ’ll get three 10 - gal grow bags , too .
The stakes for these love apple cage are constructed with a heavy - responsibility plastic coating around a steel core , which helps the cages last for several grow season . The light-green plastic coat also help the cages blend in with surround foliage .
There are no tools needed for assembly since the arms just flick on to the interest to take form the cages . you may add more arms as your tomato plant life grow tall , and ribbed side help oneself keep tie in lieu . The kit come with 328 feet of garden twist ties as well as nine clip to help you tie your Lycopersicon esculentum works to the cage as they uprise .
Be aware that you will likelyneed to irrigate tomatoesmore frequently if you are growing them in container rather than ina raised garden bed . A set with six cages and six grow bag is also usable .
Best for Pots
Legigo Plant Support Cages
The 36 - inch cage is adjustable and weather resistant .
It ’s not the safe selection for large tomato change because of its relatively small sizing .
If you ’re plan on growing tomatoes in pot or containers , consider theLegigo Plant Support Cages . The 36 - column inch John Cage is small enough to conform to in most container , but it ’s also big enough to obligate a decent - sized love apple works .
Credit: Amazon
This tomato plant batting cage is made of brand that ’s covered with a rust - resistant charge card finish , ensuring that it will hold up well to various conditions conditions . Because it ’s not as tall as some other models , it ’s not the best for big plants with sound crops , but you likely wo n’t be growing these varieties inan outside planteranyway .
We care that you could adjust the size and situation of the pack from 9.4 to 11.8 column inch in diam to admit the sizing of your works . you may also adjust the spacing between the closed chain .
In addition to love apple , this John Milton Cage Jr. also works well for peppers and cucumbers , and it can be used as support forindoor houseplants . The cage is also sold with clip to help oneself you tie your plant to the John Milton Cage Jr. .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
An 18 - inch - marvelous version of this cage is also available , but it ’s only tall enough for very lowly tomato plants , so we believe the 36 - inch - tall version is more various .
Best Heavy-Duty
S Afstar Folding Tomato Cages
These straight tomato plant cages are made from iron , making them exceptionally uncompromising .
Their generous breadth of 16 inches wo n’t allow them to match in as many containers as narrow alternative .
TheS Afstar 4 - Pack Folding Tomato Cagesare the effective heavy duty tomato cage . An branding iron systema skeletale ensures each love apple cage is durable and capable to address strong winds and various atmospheric condition conditions , plus the square shape also helps make it sturdy .
The paint surface hold out corrode and retain the cages looking fresh for multiple horticulture seasons . No tools are necessitate to set up these cage , and they can be folded up at the conclusion of the horticulture season for easy storage . We also care the fact that they are lightweight , which makes them easy to carry to your storage country .
you’re able to alternatively hold out the panel straight and apply the cagesas a treillage , or set it up so that they ’re half - fold . These pick make the tomato cages various enough to be used for a range of plants . you could also use them as a garden border if you wish .
Because of their tidy width of 16 in , these John Cage will probably work well out in the garden , but they could fit in large sens as well . The gore can be folded around an survive tomato plant and locked into place , making it possible to add these cages around existing tomato plants ( something that is tricky to accomplish with cone - shaped cages ) .
Best for Raised Beds
Gardener’s Supply Company Stacking Tomato Ladders
The stacking design of these tomato cages assist you make the most of small space by encouraging plants to uprise up rather than out .
The 6 - inch width may be too narrow-minded to keep some tomato varieties under control .
If you plan on growing tomato in a raised layer , theGardener ’s Supply Company Stacking Tomato Laddersare the best choice . Because these tomato coop are stackable , they can help oneself youutilize perpendicular outer space in your gardenrather than horizontal space .
Each ravel is 32.5 - inches tall . you may use one of the supports for belittled vining plant life , such as eggplant bush and Madagascar pepper . you could also stack the ladders vertically on top of one another to encourage your plant to grow up instead of out .
Consider stack two ladders for smaller determinate tomatoes , or stack three for expectant , undetermined tomato varieties , which like to scramble up to great heights .
Once installed and inserted into the land , three stacking ladder will end up being 78 column inch marvellous , which is more than grandiloquent enough for even the largest Lycopersicon esculentum varieties . However , their 6 - column inch breadth might be a bit narrow for tomato varieties that incline to branch out a bit .
Made of 7 - millimetre blade , these cages are sturdy and strong . They also boast a V - shape design that cradles the plant and provides more places for vines to rest than stock stakes .
A weatherproof powder coating ensures they remain in good circumstance for multiple horticulture time of year . usable in red ink or green , they tot a stylish factor to any garden with their innovative intent .
Best Wire
Park Seed 48-inch Tomato Cages
Its bailiwick galvanized sword wire will ensure you ’ll be capable to use this cage for multiple seasons .
It may not be magniloquent enough for some large tomato mixture .
For a classic wire design , thePark Seed 48 - column inch Tomato Cageis the proficient option . Made of 8 - gauge galvanized steel telegram , this love apple cage is stronger and sturdier than many other telegram excogitation .
At 48 column inch tall , this cage put up enough way for many turgid love apple plants to mount , while its 14.5 - column inch straightforward step does n’t take up too much space in the garden .
littler than some straight models , it can be a good option for bring up beds . Its square innovation also makes it uncompromising than cone - cast cages because it offers a prominent , sturdy base .
This batting cage is made in the USA and can fold up flat after the gardening season is done to make it easier to store . And , thanks to its strong long-wearing building , you ’ll emphatically require to use it the following horticulture time of year — and probably for many years to make out . This cage can also be used for other types of plants , such as cucumbers , garden egg , and pepper .
Although this tomato John Cage does n’t have a ton of campana and whistles , it ’s long-lasting , uncompromising , and reliable . Plus , we have it off that it ’s so easy to set up and take down .
Best Adjustable
Orgrimmar Tomato Cages
This child’s play - together Lycopersicon esculentum coop allows you to easily customize the height , width , and shape .
It does involve you to assemble the coop before utilization .
The adept tomato cages suit the plants in your garden , and theOrgrimmar Tomato Cagesoffers customizable option to palm any demand . Thanks to the snap - on arms , you may not only opt from several different superlative , but also coiffure the cage up in a identification number of different shape , too .
you may practice one set of bet to make the John Milton Cage Jr. 16 inches tall , add together on another stratum vertically with connecting pipes to make it 32 in marvelous , or add on a third vertical level to make it 47 inches tall . prefer the height that best suits your plant , or add on as the plant grows .
you could set the cage up as a triangular coop , square cage , or as a rectangle to serve as a trellis . you may even set it up as a hexagon if you want . Plus , because each arm has multiple connection full point , and you’re able to choose between six different breadth selection .
Made of long-lived blade with a plastic coating , this coop is weather - immune . And when the time of year is over , you may take the cage apart to it them more easily .
Best Square
Burpee XL Pro Series Cages
It ’s made of undestroyable galvanized steel .
The 18 - inch broad tomato plant John Cage may not fit in some bay window or containers .
Made of rust - insubordinate , 9 - gauge galvanized steel wire , theBurpee XL Pro Series Cageshas been used by gardeners for years — and for practiced rationality .
Its durable fabric and square design make it sturdy , and at 58 inches tall it provides plenty of way for large Lycopersicon esculentum salmagundi . But if you demand it to be even taller , you could also purchase a 24 - column inch extender , which would make the tomato John Cage an telling 82 in tall .
This heavy - tariff John Cage is easy to pose up and can be fold up for efficient storage when the horticulture time of year is over . The generous 18 - inch width admit many different tomato varieties , and the big 8 x 10 - inch opening in the cage cater plenty of breeze circulation for your plants .
These openings also make it easy to reach in and glean orotund Lycopersicon esculentum when they ’re good . We also like the fact that this tomato plant batting cage is made in the USA from American - made galvanized sword . It ’s uncommitted in crimson , green , and silver , so you’re able to opt whether you desire the cage to blend in or stick out out .
Credit: Amazon
The Bottom Line
We chose theHappy Trees Large Heavy Duty Tomato Cageas the best tomato John Cage because its hearty design and durable stuff make it uncompromising and strong enough for just about any tomato plant variety . Plus , it fold up for easy storage .
If you are looking for a Lycopersicon esculentum John Milton Cage Jr. that is adjustable in breadth and top , we urge theOrgrimmar 3 Pack Tomato Cages .
Other Tomato Cages We Tested
Leobro Plant Support Stakes 4-Pack
The interlocking design of theLeobro Plant Support Stakes 4 - Packstood out as a way of life to create a hardy sustenance system around the base of both fresh and well - established plants . But ultimately , we find that it was too forgetful to support Lycopersicon esculentum . The bet only stood about 1 - foundation magniloquent after sinking a few inches into the soil , which did n’t do much to carry up intermediate and large tomato salmagundi . “ It could work for gnome tomato change , ” Neveln says . “ But these types of stakes are unremarkably better for holding up impenetrable peony flowers or other ornamental plant that do n’t get much magniloquent than 2 to 3 feet . ”
What to Know About Tomato Cages Before Shopping
Size
When shopping for Lycopersicon esculentum cages , you should consider both the width and peak of the ware . The best cage for container will likely be relatively minute , so the base can fit inside your pot , but a wide model may put up more stability in a raised bed or other type of garden .
The height of Lycopersicon esculentum cage often start at 18 inch ( which is only suitable for very small tomato varieties or very new plants ) , like theGarmeinea Plant Support Cages . However , tall tomato cage can extend up to 5 feet or beyond .
A cage that ’s 3 to 4 feet will work for most varieties , but if you are planting an exceptionally orotund tomato variety , you may need to choose a tomato cage that ’s even tall .
Credit: Amazon
Shape
Tomato cages are useable in several unlike flesh . The cages that are most often found at place storage and garden centers are cone - shape .
alas , these are the least sturdy alternative because their base is narrower than their top and they can easy fall over in strong winds or under the weight of a heavy love apple crop .
Some tomato cages are triangular , like theK - Brands Tomato Cage , and are typically sturdier than cone - shape models since they volunteer a reproducible sizing at the base and at the top . There are also adjustable Lycopersicon esculentum cages which allow you to customize the size of your cage to best suit your plant .
Credit: Amazon
hearty tomato cages , like theBurpee Extra Large Heavy Gauge Tomato Cage , are generally the sturdiest choice and often provide more growing space for large tomato varieties — they also make it sluttish to glean your tomato .
If you already have traditional cone - shaped wire Lycopersicon esculentum cages , there ’s no need to throw these out when you kick upstairs . They can be used for smaller plant or forge into excellentplant standstill . you’re able to even make agabion plant standto add a trendy and voguish look to your garden .
Material
You ’ll find out tomato cages made from both alloy and plastic , and price tend to vary base on the quality of the material used . The in force tomato cages generally use substantial textile and cost more . Galvanized steel , which theXL Pro Series Cageis made out of , is a material that our expert recommends in a tomato coop .
“ galvanize steel Cage are of higher timbre and more expensive , but they can hold harsh weather condition and offer sturdy support to the plant , ” Spoonemore enounce . “ A well - made cage is deserving the investment funds and will last multiple season . ”
Your Questions, Answered
Do tomato cages really work?
Tomato John Cage help keep works erect and healthy , so if you choose a sturdy batting cage that can support the weight of your tomato plant plant , tomato supportswork well .
“ Without proper financial backing , the fruits and foliage sit on the ground , whichencourages pestsand diseases , ” saysJessica Walliser , horticulturist and cobalt - founder of SavvyGardening.com . “ keep back tomato plant upright hold start the foliation drying agent and away from the soil - borne spores ofcertain disease , such as other blight . ”
What is the best height for a tomato cage?
The height you need will look on the type of tomato you maturate . Some types of tomato plant — determinate varieties — have more bushy growth , while indeterminate varieties can maturate much marvellous and need either magniloquent cages or atrellis system .
If you ’re not certain what case of tomato plant you ’ll be growing , the best coop is likely a tall one , like theGardener ’s Supply Company Stacking Tomato Ladders . “ When it comes to cage , taller is better , peculiarly with indeterminate types because of their unrestrained growth wont , ” Walliser says .
How many tomato plants can you put in a tomato cage?
Tosuccessfully grow tomatoesand keep your plants healthy , it ’s good to set only one tomato plant in each batting cage .
“ Because they are so prone to fungal diseases , each plant should have skilful air circulation around it to help the leaves dry off quickly and lower the relative humidness around the plant which discourages the outgrowth of fungal tissues , ” Walliser say .
Who We Are
Renee Freemon Mulvihillis a author who specializes in home and garden topics . To write this piece , she researched Lycopersicon esculentum cages in - depth online , count factor like material , size , and shape . and consultedCarrie Spoonemore , co - creator of Park Seed ’s From Seed to smooch app , andJessica Walliser , horticulturist and co - founder of SavvyGardener.com . BHG ’s senior garden editorViveka Neveln , also put up additional brainstorm .
This clause was update byKate Puhala , a garden writer for Better Homes & Gardens .
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Gardener’s Supply Company
Credit: Park Seed
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
