About Tomato Cages
It would be a shame to have vegetables that you worked on so hard to grow become spoiled because they were not properly taken care of. Using a tomato cage to train the vines to keep them off the ground is an inexpensive way to make sure you get the full value for your hard work. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
Tomato cages are readily available at garden centers and home supply stores. There are tomato cages with spiral supports, ones that are supported by a stake in the ground, one piece tomato cages that are jointed and can fold flat for storage and a special tomato cage for established plants. The type you choose will depend on the room your have and the type of tomatoes you are planing on growing.
Features
The spiral type tomato cage has a stake in the middle with a metal spiral hung from the top. The tomato plants grow up the middle and around the spiral. Since it is only supported by one stake, it is best used for small tomatoes. If you are planting heavier tomatoes, beefsteak for instance, use a regular square tomato cage. It can handle the heavier types because it gets support from all four corners. If you are going to use the tomato cages, you will need to space your plants about 3 feet apart.
Function
Tomato cages keep the crops up off the ground. Tomatoes will rot if they get in contact with the soil. They can also get sunburned if they are not protected by their leaves. Using a tomato cage to support the plant will eliminate both problems. Using tomato cages also makes it easier to get at the vines when spraying for insects. And come harvest time, tomatoes that are grown in cages will be much easier to pick.
Benefits
Tomato cages have benefits beyond supporting tomato plants. They can be used for other types of vegetables as well. For instance, beans are another vine-grown vegetable that needs support. Use a tomato cage for them instead of tying them on polls. It is easier and gives much better support. And they look better as well.
Considerations
Tomato cages are something every vegetable gardener should consider buying. They are not expensive and can save tomatoes and other plants from damage. Take into consideration the losses you have had in the past from improperly trained tomatoes and weigh that against the cost of the tomato cages.
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