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What Size Tomato Cage Do I Need?
What Size Tomato Cage Do I Need?. The tomato is a common perennial grown as an annual in moderate climates. The size of the tomato cage needed depends on the type and variety of tomato grown. Determinate tomatoes flower on the top when they reach their maximum growth and stop at that height. Indeterminate tomatoes grow much higher and branch out...
The tomato is a common perennial grown as an annual in moderate climates. The size of the tomato cage needed depends on the type and variety of tomato grown. Determinate tomatoes flower on the top when they reach their maximum growth and stop at that height. Indeterminate tomatoes grow much higher and branch out from the side spreading out on the ground. The type of tomato, variety and the projected weight of the crop determine cage size.
Determinate Tomatoes
Determinate tomatoes are usually grown in cages at least 42 inches tall. It is always best to err on the side of caution when determining the size of tomato cage needed. By that standard a height of 60 inches gives the gardener confidence that a cage that is well supported in the ground will be tall enough for determinate tomatoes.
Indeterminate Tomatoes
Indeterminate tomato plants simply continue to grow until fruit ripens. A minimum cage height of 72 inches is recommended. Manufacturers have developed a square cage in a variety of sizes, made of heavy metal wire that is collapsible for storage. This cage widens the growth area and will support a great deal of weight.
Larger Tomatoes
Larger varieties of tomatoes, or those that grow prolifically, need cages that are at least 72 inches tall, strong enough to support the weight of the plant and fruit and have openings in the wire structure that are large enough to accommodate large tomatoes or clusters of several tomatoes.
Extra Large Tomatoes
Extra large tomatoes such as Better Boy or Whopper grow from 5 to 8 feet tall and the fruit is very heavy. This type of cage can be made by using concrete reinforcing wire. Cut the wire to a length of 6 feet and bend it around in a circle overlapping the ends until you have a round cage approximately 18 inches in diameter. Use a smaller gauge wire to firmly secure the two ends of concrete reinforcing wire together. Drive three stakes evenly spaced around the cage into the ground for a distance of 1 foot. The stakes should extend above the ground at least three feet. Securely wire the cage to the stakes. The holes in this cage will support the weight of the plant and fruit and the opening in the wire will accommodate the size of the extra large tomatoes.
