Tomato cage, what do they do? I just planted 3 tomato plants. Little did I realize those...
I just planted 3 tomato plants. Little did I realize those suckers grow REALLY tall haha. What is the purpose of tomato cage? I have a small garden, with the tomatos, green pepper and one cantelope plant. I have the tomato plants staked as of now, but if anyone can grant me a good reason to find a cage, I'll probably do that!
cages hang on to them IN the garden so they don't turn mean and come after you, like those contained by "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes".!!...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_of_t...
*smile*..
I like them because the tomato plant will grow into the enclose and it is very easy when you are going pick the fruit. Also if the plants are on the ground when it rain the fruit gets mud all over it.
It keep the plant propped up and off the ground. The tomatoe cages will keep hold of the plants upright and off the ground. If you own the plants staked, that may work just as well. I also approaching to cut the cage legs off and use them to stake high-ceilinged flowers- keeps them from falling over. It works great!
Answers: In addition, in that are a lot of different methods of staking/caging tomatoes. Here is a link that dialogue about the pros and cons of each method.
http://www.mastergardeners.org/picks/tom...
You can also grow your tomatoes "upside down" contained by a 5 gallon bucket. The advantage of this method is that the plant hangs down and you can pick the fruit of the vine that means of access.
http://www.minifarmhomestead.com/gardeni...
As will all plants, some varieties are taller than others. Whatever method you use, you will know how to plant more if you cage also as the plant will not take up as much room.
"Q. Should tomato plants be staked, caged or departed unsupported?
A. Tomatoes should be supported. Whether you cage or stake them is personal preference. Regardless of the method, plants beside foliage and fruit supported off the ground will produce more than unsupported plants. Caging has several advantages. It involves smaller number work than staking. Once the cage is placed over the plant there is no further manipulation of the plant - - no pruning, no tying. The fruit are simply harvest as they ripen. In many areas, staking and pruning of the plant to a single or multiple stem results in sunburn when the developing fruit is exposed to excessive sunlight. Other advantages of caging over staking include protection of fruit from bird reduce to rubble by more vigorous foliage cover and less fruit rot. Caged tomato vines produce more fruit of a smaller size, but staked and tied plants produce smaller quantity fruit which mature earlier all the same are larger. "
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plant...
Happy gardening! :)
Also if you decide to use a cage, put them on right away if not they won't fit into the cage!