.
In order to properly take care of a tomato plant, you need to provide it with sturdy structural support. Typically, we see tomato plants growing upright, supported by a single stake, with its fruits clustering around it. The weight of the tomato fruits can strain the plant, risking bending or even snapping the main vine if left unsupported. You can support a tomato plant with a trellis or a large stake. However, a tomato cage allows air to circulate all around the plant's center, preventing stress (like wind or heavy fruits) from weakening the vines. You can also manually control the spread of the tomato's vines in a tomato cage to keep the weight evenly distributed. We've put together a list of the best tomato cages and found the best overall spot goes to the GROWNEER Plant Cage because it's crafted with high-quality rust-proof materials, can be extended to grow with the tomato, and is easy to assemble.
Our Top Picks For Tomato Cages
The Best Tomato Cages
Best Overall
This set of plant cages is perfect for all kinds of creepers. It comes in a pack of three cages constructed with high-quality steel and covered with plastic coating. Each cage has a height of 51 inches and features snap-on arms for adjusting the height.
Moreover, the assembling of this set is quite easy as it comes with all required accessories. It has nine clips for holding the stems of tomato plants perfectly and maintaining the growth structure.
Pros
- Each cage is constructed with heavy-duty steel that gives them stability to withstand harsh climates
- This set provides proper growth structure with its twist tie and clips
- You can adjust the height of these cages by fixing the connecting pipes and snap-on arms as per plant growth
Cons
- This cage set is not suitable to handle large tomato breeds
Tallest Cages
Large tomato plants need more support as compared to small species. Their fruits are heavier and can easily weigh down the whole plant if proper support is not provided. This cage set from K-Brands is specifically designed for such plant species. Each cage has a height of 72-inches and is constructed with strong steel that is coated in heavy plastic material. The sturdy design of these cages provides good support and prevents plants from weighing down due to heavy fruits. Furthermore, you can adjust their height by altering the removable arms. You also don’t need any tools for assembling the set as it has snap-on arms.
Pros
- This set provides complete stability to the plants while maintaining their upright growth
- Each cage has a height of 72 inches that makes it suitable for large tomato breeds
- This set has removable arms that you can use to adjust the height
Cons
- Some people might find it expensive
Most Durable
If you are a beginner in gardening, then tomatoes are the best plants to start with. However, you do need support cages for growing them. This cage set from Mimeela is designed for small tomato plants that are easy to grow. Each trellis has a height of 24 inches and is engineered with a durable steel core. Besides, you can put these cages around the potted plant to support it during the growth period.
All steel caps in these cages are removable and adjustable. You can use this set for other plants as well. The size of each hoop in this cage set is different and provides an upward triangle structure for growth.
Pros
- This cage set is perfect for small tomato plants as it has a height of 24 inches
- Each cage is designed in an upward triangle structure to provide good support to the plants
- These plant cages are versatile in nature and allow free flow of the stems
Cons
- This cage set is only suitable for indoor gardens
Most Cages Per Set
This set of support trellises comes with six pieces of well-constructed cages. The metal rods are coated with anti-corrosion layers and resistant to moisture as well as rust. Besides, these cages come with various connectors to allow all kinds of combinations and shapes. You can also adjust their height as per the growth of your plants.
These cages are safe to use, thanks to the extra plastic coating that prevents them from getting too hot during summers. Furthermore, this set is suitable for enhancing the vertical growth of plants and remains stable under high pressure.
Pros
- These cages provide good stability and prevent plants from breaking under pressure
- This set is designed to enable vertical growth by providing enough support
- Each cage is resistant to rust and moisture, which increases its durability
Cons
- The base is not capable of handling a lot of weight, so it cannot support plants that are too big
Best Value
This cage set is perfect for people who are just starting out in the field of gardening. It comes with two pieces of strong cages that are constructed with heavy steel and have extra plastic coating as well. However, these cages are only suitable for small plants as their height is around 18 inches.
Additionally, you also get three adjustable rings with which you can change the position of the connectors to support your growing plant. This set is not only perfect for tomatoes but also for basil, hydrangea, herbs, etc.
Pros
- This set of garden supporters is affordable
- The cages are sturdy, durable, and provide good support to the plants
- Each cage has three adjustable rings to increase or decrease the height as per the plant’s growth
Cons
- These supporters are not meant for large plants as they cannot handle the weight
Best for Indoor Planting
This set of plant cages is one of the finest products that you can get in the market. These cages are adjustable and allow you to adjust height as per your plant’s requirement. You don’t need to use any tools for the installation process as all parts come with connectors.
Furthermore, they can easily penetrate into the soil and maintain a stable base to avoid breakage under pressure. You can use this set for climbing plants as they prevent vines from spreading.
Pros
- These cages are designed to prevent vines from spreading
- They are easy to install due to removable clasps and hooks
- You can use them as a frame to protect plants from heat
Cons
- You can only use these cages in potted plants
Most Versatile Usage
If you are looking for some decent tomato cages at an affordable price, then this set from FOTMISHU would be the perfect choice for you. It contains three cages, each of height 48 inches and width 12 inches. These cages are constructed with heavy-duty stainless steel that comes with an extra plastic green coating.
Besides, you also get four A-clips along with this pack to hold the plant’s vines firmly and enhance upright growth. Apart from tomatoes, you can also use this set for other creepers like grapes, peas, etc. Thanks to the snap-on arms, you can alter the shape of the cages as per your needs.
Pros
- It comes with 27 snap-on arms that you can use for changing the cage’s shape
- The plastic covering on the steel arms prevents it from damage due to rusting and harsh weather
- Each cage has four A-clips to hold the stems tightly and let the plant grow properly
Cons
- Might not be tall enough to grow cherry tomatoes
The Best Tomato Cage Buying Guide
Tomato cages are one of the essential gardening tools as they help in maintaining the proper growth of tomato plants and prevent the fruits from getting spoiled. However, there are various cages that serve a similar purpose, which can be confusing. Hence, it is better to look for the vital features of such cages to choose the perfect one for your tomato plants. That’s why we have curated this list of essential factors that you should keep in mind while buying a tomato cage.
What Things Should You Look for in a Tomato Cage?
Material
The material of a tomato cage states whether it would be able to handle the weight of the plant or not. Mostly, manufacturers use three types of material to construct a cage: coated metal, uncoated metal, and galvanized steel.
- Cages made with coated metal are highly preferred by gardeners due to various reasons. These cages have an extra rust coating that makes them water-resistant. Moreover, they have plastic or powder coating that prevents them from getting too hot during summers
- Uncoated metal cages are cheaper than coated ones, as they do not have any kind of protective covering. However, they are dangerous to use during summers as you can burn your hand if you touch the metal accidentally while plucking fruits on a hot afternoon
- Galvanized steel cages are the most popular in the market. They can withstand all types of harsh climatic conditions and provide great support to the plant. However, these cages are expensive and are not readily available
Shape
Tomato cages come in various shapes that state the type of plants they can support. The most common shapes for tomato cages are curved-link stakes, triangular cages, and ring-style cages.
- Curved-linked cages are rectangular in shape with slight curves at the corners. They are perfect for providing support to heavy tomato plants. Most curved-link cages have foldable construction, which makes them easier for storage purposes
- Triangular cages have closer bars and provide space for optimal plant growth. They are designed specifically for smaller tomato plants
- Ring-style cages are circular in shape and provide abundant room for growth. They are perfect for large tomato crops and provide good results
Types
There are various types of tomato cages available in the market as different plants require different types of space for growth. Here are the most common types of cages that you should know before purchasing one.
- Traditional trellises: Trellises are a combination of stakes and cages and are perfect for large tomato crops. These cages are designed in a way so that when the plant starts growing, it will do so from the openings in the cage. The poles provide support to the plant, whereas the openings allow it to grow freely
- String trellises: String trellises are suitable for growing large tomato crops in a row. They have strings that keep the tomato plants upright while growing and provide a strong structure for the process
- Wire cages: Wire cages are built with concrete wiring that provides good support to the plant. They come in various sizes for different species and can last for a long time. These cages are sturdy, reliable, and can handle heavy weights easily
- Pipe cages: Pipe cages are constructed by cutting PVC pipes in the shape of a triangle. The PVC poles provide good support to the growing plants and maintain the growth structure as per the design
Size
The size of a tomato cage determines the type of plant that it can support. There are various types of tomato plants, and the requirements for each of them are different. For smaller plants, like New Big Dwarf and Tiny Tim, a tomato cage of size 15 to 20 inches would be of great help. It would provide enough support and handle the weight of the small fruits.
For larger breeds, such as Big Boy and Beefsteak, a cage of at least 72 inches is required. These plants bear large fruits that can get spoiled in the ground if sturdy support is not provided. In such cases, you need to get a cage of a larger size for those plants. What’s more, there are cages with adjustable heights that will grow along with the plant.
Number of cages
Tomato cages come in a set of numerous trellises. Before purchasing a set, make sure to check the number of cages that are present in it. The average number of cages in a set is three, which is enough for small gardens. However, if you have a large garden with tons of tomato plants, then a set of 10 to 12 cages would be beneficial.
Price
Tomato cages do not cost much, but it is better to fix a budget before shopping for them. The average price for a set of tomato cages ranges between $10 to $50. It depends on the number and the quality of the cages present in each set. Make sure to fix your budget within this range to get the best product for your garden.
Final Thoughts
Tomato plants are known for growing on the ground, due to which most of the fruits get spoiled before attaining ripe age. These plants need constant support to grow in a particular direction, and tomato cages can provide them stability. It is extremely important to get a nice tomato cage for them so that they can grow steadily. We hope that the products we have reviewed in this article help you in finding the perfect tomato cage for your garden.
Just because you’ve found the perfect tomato cage, however, doesn’t mean you’re tomato will come out perfectly. You’ll need a green thumb, so make sure to check out this video how-to video for growing tomatoes by Next Level Gardening.
People Also Asked
Is it necessary to get coated tomato cages?
Yes, it is better to buy coated tomato cages as it would prevent the metal from getting rusted due to constant heat and moisture. Moreover, these cages are safer to use.
How can I adjust the height of a plant supporter?
You can adjust the height of a tomato cage by altering the position of snap-on arms and connectors. Plant cages with adjustable height help in maintaining the steady growth of the plant.
Why are tomato cages important?
Tomato cages are important as they prevent tomatoes from getting spoiled by remaining on the ground. These cages maintain a vertical growth structure for the plant to remain stable.
