Do-it-Yourself Tomato Cages

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Even a novice DIYer can build tomato cages. You'll save space in the garden and enjoy more fresh, flavorful tomatoes! John 'Woody' Woodzick

It won't be long until you can enjoy juicy, bright-red tomatoes. If you're starting to prep your summer garden to give these fruits a home, you'll need some kind of contraption for tomato plants to lean on. (The puny wire tomato cages sold in stores just don't cut it.) Tomato cages are easy to build, plus they save valuable garden space, which allows you to increase production.

Keep it simple

According to author and tomato-savvy gardener Brook Elliot, in the article Using Wire Mesh in the Garden, plain old wire mesh makes great cages. Use concrete-reinforcing wire mesh, because it's easy to find and relatively cheap. Make each cylinder slightly bigger than your first one and the cages will nest neatly for off-season storage.

Tougher tower

John 'Woody' Woodzick recommends making folding ladder-shaped stands. You can recycle old wood to make them, and with a few simple alterations you can use them for cucumbers, peas and pole beans. When the growing season's over, just fold them up to store for winter. For step-by-step instructions on how to build Woody's folding tomato cages, click here.

The Cadillac of Cages

If you happen to have a source for recycled white plastic piping, they work great for tough stands. You can make your own design to fit different plants. Fit the pipes together, and you've got something that looks like a jungle gym for tomatoes. By drilling holes in the pipes, it's easy to water and fertilize plants. Check out Doug Thalacker's Recycled, Storable, Indestructible, Easy to Water Tomato Cage for construction plans.

If you're looking for an alternative to ordinary, flimsy wire tomato cages, don't be afraid to get creative and build your own. Share your ideas with others by posting them below. Your tomatoes will thank you by producing more mouthwatering fruits to enjoy all summer!