Tomato Question

WI mom of 2 · **Tomato Question**

This is my first year of trying a vegetable garden. I have 8 tomato plants, and in trying to be frugal, I got the cheapest wire cages that the greenhouse had. Now that the plants are growing (they're huge with lots of little green tomatoes on them

), they are getting too big for the cages, and some are even starting to pull the cages over. So, my question is do you prefer the cages for tomato plants or do you just stake them (that's what my MIL prefers, but I hadn't heard of doing it before she mentioned it)? I'm going to go to Menards tomorrow to get something else to help support the plants -- which would be better? Thanks!

melsb · 06-19-2007, 11:45 PM

I have the cages but I would think with your tomatoes already have grown so much you might not be able to seperate the plant from your current cage? Just a guess. Anyway that being the case I would assume that stakes will be the best route to offer support to the cages that you already have.

WI mom of 2 · 06-20-2007, 08:43 AM

Thanks! I was kind of thinking that stakes might be the easier way to go.

allgirls · 06-20-2007, 05:18 PM

I do both. I usually stake the main stem and put in homemade trellis/cage.

allgirls

twstr · **Reply to Tomato Cages**

Hi:
I have a "Sweet 100" cherry tomato plant that has gone absolutely insane! It is growing all over the place, even with a tall, wide tomato cage. I have several of them that I got off of Free Cycle. I just placed one along side of the original one and let the tomato vines grow over, under and anywhere it wants to go on the additional cage.
For future reference, I've used old broom handles, mop handles and sturdy limbs from near-by trees for staking. You can even use a nearby fence if need be...using twine to tie up your plants over the slats.
Being a first year gardener, remember NOT to plant your tomatoes (or any other veggie) in the same spot next year. You may get uninvited guests such as various bugs (including the tomato or horn worm) and different diseases in/on your plants. Always rotate your crops every two to three years.
Good luck, sweetie and may God bless...

Mary M.
twstr

twstr · **Old Lady Intro...**

Hi once again:
I just posted about tomatoes and hints on using cages and stakes. I'd like to introduce myself. I am an 'old lady' of 63. Not really. True about the 63 but very young-at-heart.
I'm a Sunday-goin'-to-meetin' Christian and love my early a.m. 'Quiet Time' on the computer. I'm a mother of six grown 'kids' and grandmother of 15 and great-grand-ma to two. Love them all.
Also, I work part time as a home care provider.
What do I do for 'kicks'? Why garden, of course. It's in my blood. Although I only have a small, fenced-in back yard; I make the most of it with my rose bushes, two flower patches and of course, my veggie patch.
I'd forgotten how fast pickle plants grow. I planted just one this year and yesterday, I harvested a HUGE 'pickle' that would by far outshine any cucumber in a supermarket. Almost as big as my Zuchinni squash I let get big so I can make Zuchinni bread and pancakes. YUM!
Almost time to get ready for church...along with washing the car. So I bid adieu for now.
Wishing all a SAFE and fun Fourth of July...

Mary M.
twstr