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Use heavy duty wire cutters. Concrete reinforcing wire is thick and strong – after all, that’s why it makes great tomato cages! You’ll need to use heavy duty wire cutters (like the ones pictured below) that will cut through the thick wire like butter.
What metal are tomato cages made of?
Concrete-reinforcing steel mesh provides the perfect raw material, with 6-inch-square openings that allow easy access to the fruit. Building-supply stores sell the stuff in rolls that are roughly 5 feet high and 150 feet long.
What can I do with old tomato cages?
10 Uses for Tomato Cages Grow Other Vegetables – Tomato cages work great with pepper plants or cucumbers, bush and pole beans, peas and other “climbers.” Plant Stand – Turn the cage upside down and bend the wires to hold a pot or bowl. Bird Bath – Make an inexpensive, garden bird bath.
Can I use rusty tomato cages?
If you have some old tomato cages that have developed rust, they are safe to use. If they are still structurally stable and you don’t mind the appearance, use a wire brush to scrape off loose rust before putting them in the garden. A healthy tomato plant will eventually block out the view of the cage.
How tall do my tomato cages need to be?
Cages should be 14-18 inches in diameter with a height of 4 feet for determinate plants and at least 6 feet for indeterminate. Sturdy cages may be expensive to purchase, but can be constructed by hand using cost-effective livestock fencing or concrete reinforcement wire.
How thick is tomato cage wire?
33-in Galvanized Steel Wire Round Tomato Cage 33-in cage for small tomato’s and plants, has 12-in diameter opening. Cage rings and legs are 11.5 gauge wire. Promotes straight growth and healthy root systems.
Can I use tomato cages for cucumbers?
Tomato cage is one of the favorite ways for both gardening and potted plant support uses and keep a fragile harvest healthy yet flawless. Round tomato cages are great for supporting fructuous and vining plants, such as tomatoes, hot peppers, peas, cucumbers, squash & zucchini, strawberries and paspberry, etc.
Can tomato cages be used for other vegetables?
You can use tomato cages to provide support to other plants like cucumbers, beans, peas, and heavier eggplants, and flowering vines.
Can you paint tomato cages?
Shake up your can of spray paint and holding the can 12-18 inches away from the tomato cage, spray the paint on the cage with a slow back and forth motion so that the tomato cage is evenly covered with paint. The paint will dry very quickly, in 10 minutes or so.
Are galvanized tomato cages safe?
The short answer to this is yes, they’re absolutely safe for gardening use. Since it requires acidity to break down the zinc coating that galvanized steel has, and most garden soils are neutral, there’s little to no impact. Plus, zinc is an essential plant micronutrient and a normal part of the soil.
Do galvanized tomato cages rust?
For growing big and juicy tomato varieties, consider these heavy-duty tomato cages from the Burpee Store. This set includes three extra-large tomato cages. Made of galvanized and powder-coated steel, they offer sturdy support and long-term rust resistance.
What to use to cut a tomato cage?
Use heavy duty wire cutters. Concrete reinforcing wire is thick and strong – after all, that’s why it makes great tomato cages! You’ll need to use heavy duty wire cutters (like the ones pictured below) that will cut through the thick wire like butter.
Is it better to stake or cage tomatoes?
Staking takes up less space than caging. Simple to install. The vines & tomatoes are up off the ground, resulting in cleaner fruit and less rotting. it is easy to see the tomatoes and easy to harvest.
When should I put cages on my tomato plants?
Provide the best support for your tomato plant by securing its wire cage with two strong stakes on opposite sides and hammered into the soil. This type of guard should be put around a tomato plant shortly after transplanting when the plant is still small, which will avoid damaging its stems and roots.
Do cherry tomato plants need cages?
The cherry tomato plant grows rapidly, so you will need to have something to support the vines once they begin to grow long. You can use either a tomato cage or wooden stakes. For a tomato cage, you should purchase a large tomato cage from a nursery or home improvement store.
Can I plant 2 tomato plants together?
Tomatoes planted too closely together may be more likely to develop problems, such as: Disease – A lot of plant diseases flourish on moist leaves. Tomato plants require a good amount of these resources, so if they’re planted closely together, they will compete and likely all lose.
What gauge wire are tomato cages made of?
Making your own baskets, or cages, ensures you get the size you need for your tomato variety. Wire can be purchased in rolls or 5-foot panels. Heavier gauge wire is sturdier, but harder to cut. Buy the sturdiest gauge you feel comfortable working with, 9 to 14 gauge wire would work well.
How do you train a cucumber to climb a tomato cage?
Cucumbers Keep your cucumbers supported when you plant them alongside a tomato cage. Plant your seeds or your seedlings at the base of the tomato cage and as they grow, train them to wrap around the support by using your fingers to wrap and guide them.
How many cucumbers should be in a tomato cage?
A tomato cage is ideal if you’re just growing one or two cucumber plants. If you’re planting several cucumber varieties, an A-frame trellis can help you maximize space and get the most from your plants.
