How to Make DIY Tomato Cages (3 Best Cages for Stronger Tomato Plants!)

Tomato plants grow best when they have proper support, preventing them from sprawling on the ground and reducing the risk of disease.

While store-bought cages can be expensive and flimsy, DIY tomato cages offer a more durable, customizable, and cost-effective solution.

In this article, you’ll learn how to build sturdy, long-lasting tomato cages using different materials like remesh, wood, and PVC pipes.

We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each method, explore alternative support systems, and share practical tips for stability, customization, and storage.

Whether you’re growing determinate or indeterminate tomatoes, this guide will help you choose the best support system for your garden.

Why Tomato Cages Are Important

Tomato plants need proper support to grow strong and healthy. Without a cage or another support system, the vines will sprawl on the ground, making them more vulnerable to disease, pests, and rot. 

Prevents Disease and Pests

Without support, tomato vines sprawl across the soil, exposing fruit to moisture, pests, and fungal infections. A sturdy cage keeps the plant upright, reducing contact with the ground and lowering the chances of disease.

Supports Heavy Branches

As tomatoes grow, their branches become heavy with fruit, increasing the risk of stems breaking. A strong cage distributes the plant’s weight evenly, preventing damage and ensuring a healthy harvest.

Makes Watering and Harvesting Easier

Cages help maintain an organized garden by keeping plants contained. This allows for better airflow, making watering more efficient and reducing the chances of overgrowth. Harvesting also becomes easier since ripe fruit is more accessible without stepping on vines.

Ideal for Small Gardens

For gardeners with limited space, tomato cages encourage vertical growth rather than outward sprawl. This maximizes the number of plants you can grow while keeping your garden manageable.

Factors to Consider Before Building Your Tomato Cages

Before you start building your tomato cages, take a moment to think about what will work best for your garden.

The right cage design depends on your tomato variety, local weather conditions, and how much time you want to spend maintaining your plants.

What Type of Tomatoes Are You Growing?

The first thing to consider is whether you’re growing determinate or indeterminate tomatoes.

• Determinate tomatoes stay compact and produce fruit all at once, so they do well in shorter cages around three to four feet tall.
• Indeterminate tomatoes keep growing and producing fruit throughout the season, often reaching six feet or more. These plants need taller, sturdier cages or an alternative support system like a trellis.

Knowing your tomato variety helps you choose the right height and strength for your cage, ensuring it supports the plant all season long.

Will Your Cages Hold Up Against the Weather?

If you live in a windy area, lightweight cages may not be enough to keep your plants upright.

To prevent cages from toppling over, reinforce them with T-posts, rebar stakes, or by tying them to a nearby fence.

Using heavier materials, like concrete reinforcing wire or wooden frames, will also provide more stability.

In rainy or humid climates, rust and rot can be a problem. Choosing rust-resistant metal or treating wooden cages with a weatherproof sealant will help them last longer.

If you get long, hot summers, a taller cage will allow better airflow, keeping your plants healthy and reducing the risk of disease.

How Much Maintenance Are You Willing to Do?

Different support systems require different levels of upkeep.

Cages provide a mostly hands-off way to grow tomatoes, but they still need occasional adjustments to keep the plant growing within the structure.

If you prefer a low-maintenance option, choose a strong cage that won’t bend under the weight of your plants.

If you enjoy more hands-on gardening, you might consider alternative supports like staking or trellising, which require more frequent pruning and tying but can be more space-efficient.

Do You Have Enough Storage Space?

If you need to store your cages in the off-season, collapsible or stackable designs will save space.

Wooden cages take up more room, but they can be used year-round for other plants or as garden decorations. PVC cages are lightweight and easy to take apart, making them one of the easiest options for storage.

By thinking through these factors before building your cages, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother growing season with less hassle.

A well-planned cage will keep your tomato plants healthy, productive, and easy to manage all summer long.

How Tall Should a Tomato Cage Be?

The ideal height of your cage depends on your tomato variety.

• Determinate tomatoes do well with 3- to 4-foot cages.
• Indeterminate tomatoes need at least 5 to 6 feet of support. If additional height is needed, cages can be extended by stacking a second layer of remesh or securing taller stakes to the frame.

Ensuring Cage Stability

Tomato cages should be reinforced to prevent toppling, especially in windy areas. Securing them with T-posts, rebar stakes, or tying them to a fence helps keep them stable throughout the growing season.

Storage and Space Considerations

For raised beds and container gardens, compact wooden or PVC cages are often the best choice. If storage space is a concern, collapsible or stackable cages allow for easier organization when not in use.

Best Materials for DIY Tomato Cages

If you want a sturdy, long-lasting tomato cage, the right materials make all the difference. Your plants will get heavier as they grow, so using strong, durable materials will keep them upright and supported all season long.

Remesh (Strong and Reliable)

Remesh is one of the best materials for DIY tomato cages. It’s a heavy-duty wire mesh designed for concrete reinforcement, but it works perfectly for supporting tomato plants.

It’s rust-resistant, sturdy, and has large openings that make it easy to reach in and harvest your tomatoes.

Concrete Reinforcing Wire (Extra Durability)

Similar to remesh, concrete reinforcing wire is another great option. It’s slightly thicker and has larger gaps, which allow for better air circulation around your plants.

Secure the wire with hog rings for a neat, strong finish, and place a few heavy rocks or cinder blocks at the base to keep it from shifting in strong winds.

Wood (Aesthetic and Long-Lasting)

If you like the natural look of wooden cages, cedar is your best bet. It’s naturally rot-resistant, so it will last for several seasons without needing chemical treatments.

You can build square, rectangular, or teepee-style cages using 2×2 cedar posts and secure them with brad nails and wood glue.

PVC Pipe (Lightweight and Reusable)

PVC pipes are a great option if you want a cage that’s easy to move and store. They’re lightweight, weather-resistant, and can be assembled using connectors. For extra strength, anchor them with rebar stakes driven into the ground.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building DIY Tomato Cages

1. How to Build a Remesh Tomato Cage

Remesh is one of the most durable and cost-effective materials for tomato cages. It’s easy to cut, shape, and install, making it a great choice for long-term support.

Materials Needed:

• 5 ft x 7 ft remesh panel (available at hardware stores)
• Wire cutters or bolt cutters
• Zip ties or heavy-duty wire
• Work gloves (to prevent cuts)
• Measuring tape
• T-post or rebar (optional, for extra stability)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure and Cut the Remesh
   
   Start by laying the remesh flat on the ground or against a sturdy surface. Use a measuring tape to mark a section that’s 5 feet long (this will determine the height of your cage.)
   
   Put on gloves and use wire cutters to carefully cut along the marked line. Be cautious, as the edges of the remesh can be sharp.
   
2. Shape the Cage into a Cylinder
   
   Take the cut remesh and gently bend it into a circular shape. Overlap the edges by one or two squares to form a cylinder. Aim for a diameter of about 18-24 inches to give your tomato plant enough room to grow.
   
3. Secure the Edges Together
   
   Using zip ties or heavy-duty garden wire, fasten the overlapping edges of the remesh. Space the ties about 6 inches apart from top to bottom to ensure the cage stays sturdy. Trim any excess wire or zip tie ends to prevent them from snagging.
   
4. Install the Cage Around the Tomato Plant
   
   Place the cage around your tomato plant, ensuring there’s enough space for it to grow freely. Push the bottom 6 inches of the cage into the soil to keep it securely anchored.
   
5. Reinforce with a T-Post or Rebar (Optional)
   
   If you live in a windy area or want to make the cage more stable, drive a T-post or rebar stake into the ground either inside or next to the cage. Attach the cage to the stake with zip ties or wire to keep it from tipping over.

2. How to Build a Wooden Tomato Cage

Wooden tomato cages provide excellent support and add a rustic charm to your garden. They are especially useful for raised beds and container gardens.

Materials Needed:

• Four 2×2 cedar or pine boards (5 feet long)
• Eight 1×2 wooden slats (each 18 inches long)
• Wood screws (1 ½ inches long)
• Power drill with a drill bit
• Saw (hand saw or circular saw)
• Measuring tape
• Wood glue (optional, for extra reinforcement)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut the Wood

Start by cutting your wood if it’s not pre-cut. Cut four 2×2 posts to 5 feet long for the vertical supports. Then, cut eight 1×2 slats to 18 inches each, which will serve as the horizontal supports.

2. Assemble the Frame

Lay two of your 2×2 posts on the ground, parallel to each other. Place two of the 1×2 slats horizontally between them—one about 12 inches from the bottom and another 12 inches from the top.

Use a power drill to create pilot holes through the slats and into the posts to prevent splitting, and then secure them with wood screws. Repeat the process for the second pair of posts.

3. Connect the Frames

Stand both frames upright, about 18 inches apart. Now, attach the remaining 1×2 slats across the sides to form a square cage, securing them with screws. This will give your cage a sturdy structure.

4. Reinforce and Install

For extra durability, apply wood glue at the joints where the slats meet the posts. Once the frame is ready, place it over your tomato plant.

If needed, push the bottom into the soil to help keep the cage stable. If you’re using the cage in a raised bed, you can screw the bottom of the frame into the bed’s wooden sides for added support.

By following these steps, you’ll have a strong, attractive wooden cage that will help your tomato plants grow healthy and strong throughout the season.

3. How to Build a PVC Pipe Tomato Cage

PVC cages are lightweight, durable, and easy to store at the end of the season.

Materials Needed:

• Four 5-foot-long PVC pipes (¾-inch diameter)
• Four 18-inch PVC pipes (¾-inch diameter)
• Eight PVC T-connectors
• Four elbow connectors
• PVC cutter or hacksaw
• Rebar stakes (optional, for stability)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut the PVC Pipes

If your PVC pipes aren’t pre-cut, use a PVC cutter or hacksaw to cut four vertical 5-foot-long pipes and four 18-inch pipes for the crossbars.

2. Assemble the Frame

Take two of the 5-foot PVC pipes and connect them with an 18-inch crossbar using T-connectors. Repeat the same for the other two vertical pipes.

Once you have both sides of the frame, connect them at the top using the remaining 18-inch crossbars and elbow connectors to form the top part of the cage.

3. Secure the Cage in the Ground

Place the PVC cage around your tomato plant. If you want extra stability, drive rebar stakes into the ground and slide the PVC pipes over them. This will help keep the cage secure in windy conditions.

4. Reinforce if Needed

If the cage feels unstable, you can add more horizontal crossbars at different heights to strengthen the frame and keep it solid throughout the growing season.

With these simple steps, you’ll have a sturdy and easy-to-move PVC cage to support your tomato plants.

Tomato Cage Alternatives & Support Systems

While tomato cages work well for many gardeners, they’re not your only option.

If you want more flexibility, need to save space, or prefer a different support system, there are several great alternatives. The right choice depends on your garden size, tomato variety, and available materials.

The Florida Weave (A Simple Row Support System)

If you're growing multiple tomato plants in a row, the Florida Weave is an easy and cost-effective way to support them.

It involves weaving twine between stakes to hold the plants upright, keeping them from flopping over as they grow.

To set up a Florida Weave, install sturdy wooden stakes or T-posts every four to five feet along your row of tomato plants.

Secure a strong garden twine to the first stake about eight inches above the ground, then weave it around each stake and plant in a zigzag pattern.

As your tomatoes grow taller, add more layers of twine every eight to ten inches to keep them supported.

This method is great for determinate tomatoes since they stay compact, but it can also work for indeterminate varieties if you continue adding support as they grow.

Trellising (Best for Tall, Indeterminate Tomatoes)

Indeterminate tomatoes grow continuously throughout the season, often reaching over six feet tall. A trellis allows them to climb vertically, keeping them off the ground while providing strong support.

One of the most effective ways to trellis tomatoes is by using a cattle panel. This sturdy wire panel can be secured between two posts or arched over a garden bed, creating a strong structure for vines to climb.

As the plants grow, tie the stems loosely to the trellis with soft garden ties, guiding them upward through the openings.

Trellising improves airflow around your plants, helps prevent disease, and makes harvesting easier since the fruit hangs freely instead of getting lost in tangled branches.

Staking (A Space-Saving Solution)

If you're working with a small garden or growing tomatoes in containers, staking is a simple way to keep your plants upright without taking up too much space.

This method involves placing a sturdy wooden, bamboo, or metal stake next to each plant and tying the stem to the stake at regular intervals.

To stake your tomatoes, drive a five- to seven-foot stake about a foot into the ground, six inches away from the plant.

Use soft fabric ties or garden twine to secure the main stem to the stake, making sure it's loose enough to allow natural movement.

Since staked plants don’t have as much support as caged or trellised ones, pruning is essential to prevent them from becoming too heavy and breaking under their own weight.

Combining Support with an Efficient Watering System

If you want to simplify watering while supporting your plants, you can integrate an irrigation system into your trellis or cage.

A PVC pipe with small holes drilled along its length can be placed near the base of your plants, delivering water directly to the roots while also serving as a lightweight support structure.

This helps prevent water waste and keeps your plants hydrated without soaking the leaves, reducing the risk of disease.

Choosing the right support system depends on your space, tomato variety, and gardening style.

Whether you use cages, trellises, stakes, or the Florida Weave, proper support will keep your plants healthy and productive throughout the season.

Customizing and Improving Your Tomato Cages

Once you’ve built or installed your tomato cages, there are several ways to enhance their stability, functionality, and durability.

Adjusting the Size to Fit Your Plants

Not all tomato plants grow the same way, so it’s important to customize your cages to fit their needs.

If your plants need more room, widen the cage by overlapping fewer squares when securing remesh or wire.

If you're working with a small garden or raised bed, narrowing the cage slightly can help save space without compromising support.

For indeterminate tomatoes, standard cages may not be tall enough. To extend the height, stack a second remesh or wire cage on top of the first one and secure them with zip ties or hog rings.

Another option is to attach additional stakes inside the cage to help support taller vines. Training your plants to climb upward instead of sprawling outward will prevent them from getting tangled or breaking under their own weight.

Preventing Cages from Falling Over

Strong winds and heavy fruit can sometimes cause cages to tip. To reinforce your cages, secure them with T-posts or rebar stakes.

Simply drive the stake into the ground next to the cage and fasten it with garden wire or zip ties.

Burying the bottom few inches of the cage in the soil can also help anchor it, while placing heavy rocks or bricks around the base adds extra stability.

Training Your Tomato Plants for Better Growth

Keeping your tomato plants properly positioned inside the cage ensures they grow strong and produce an abundant harvest.

As your plant grows, gently guide the branches through the openings of the cage to keep them supported. If a branch becomes too heavy with fruit, tie it loosely to the cage using soft garden twine.

Pruning also plays a role in maintaining a healthy plant structure. Removing excess foliage improves airflow, reduces disease risk, and directs the plant’s energy into fruit production rather than excessive leaf growth.

Using Mulch to Improve Plant Health

Adding mulch around the base of your tomato cages helps maintain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent soil from splashing onto the leaves.

This reduces the risk of fungal diseases and makes watering more efficient. Organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, works best for keeping the soil healthy and nutrient-rich.

Adding a Decorative Touch to Your Garden

If you want your tomato cages to look as good as they function, you can stain or paint wooden cages to match your garden design.

Use an outdoor-safe, non-toxic wood stain or paint to protect the wood from weather damage while adding a pop of color to your space.

This is especially useful if you’re growing tomatoes in a raised bed or patio garden where aesthetics matter.

By making a few adjustments, your tomato cages will be stronger, more effective, and easier to maintain throughout the season.

Whether you’re reinforcing them for stability, guiding plant growth, or improving soil conditions with mulch, these small improvements will help you get the most out of your tomato plants.

Storing and Repurposing Your Tomato Cages

Once the growing season is over, storing your tomato cages properly will keep them in good condition for next year.

Instead of leaving them exposed to the weather, taking a little time to clean and organize them will help extend their lifespan and save you money in the long run.

If your cages are damaged or too small for your tomatoes, you can also repurpose them for other uses in your garden.

How to Clean and Store Your Tomato Cages

Before putting your cages away for the season, clean them to remove dirt, plant debris, and any signs of rust. For metal cages, use a wire brush to scrub off soil and rust spots, then rinse with water.

If you notice rust starting to form, spray the affected areas with a rust-resistant coating or a light layer of vegetable oil to prevent further damage.

Wooden cages should be wiped down to remove dirt and checked for any cracks or splinters. If the wood looks dry, applying a protective outdoor wood sealant will help it last longer.

Make sure the cages are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold or rot.

For compact storage, stack wire cages inside each other or fold them flat if they’re designed to collapse.

If you have limited storage space, consider hanging them on hooks in a shed or garage. PVC cages can be disassembled and stored in a labeled bin, making it easier to reassemble them next season.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Tomato Cages

If you have cages that are bent, too small, or no longer sturdy enough for tomatoes, you can still put them to good use in your garden.

Shorter or weaker cages work well for supporting other plants like peppers, eggplants, sugar snap peas, and tomatillos.

Even flowers like sunflowers and snapdragons benefit from extra support, especially in windy areas.

You can also turn old cages into garden organizers. Flip one upside down, wrap the top with burlap or chicken wire, and use it as a trellis for climbing flowers or vines.

Another option is to use them as protective covers for young plants—simply place a cage over seedlings to shield them from animals or harsh weather.

For a fun DIY project, repurpose an old tomato cage into a holiday decoration, like a cone-shaped Christmas light display or a pumpkin-shaped garden ornament.

With a little creativity, your old cages can serve a new purpose instead of ending up in the trash.

Create Strong Tomato Cages for Bigger Harvests!

Now that you know how to build strong, long-lasting tomato cages, your plants will have the support they need to thrive.

Unlike store-bought cages that can be flimsy and expensive, your DIY cages will be sturdy, customized to fit your garden, and able to last for multiple growing seasons.

If cages aren’t the best fit for your garden, alternative support systems like trellises, stakes, or the Florida Weave offer great options to keep your tomatoes off the ground.

No matter what method you choose, giving your plants proper support will result in a healthier, more abundant harvest.

More importantly, you’ll have strong, productive tomato plants that make all your hard work in the garden pay off!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best material for a long-lasting tomato cage?

The most durable materials for tomato cages are remesh and concrete reinforcing wire. Both are strong, rust-resistant, and can hold up under the weight of heavy tomato plants. Wooden and PVC cages are also great options, especially if you want something reusable and easy to store.

How tall should a tomato cage be?

For determinate tomatoes, a cage between three and four feet tall is usually enough. Indeterminate varieties grow taller and need at least a five- to six-foot cage for proper support. If needed, you can extend the height by stacking another cage on top or attaching additional stakes.

Can I use tomato cages for other plants?

Yes! If you have old tomato cages that are no longer tall enough, you can use them to support peppers, eggplants, sugar snap peas, sunflowers, snapdragons, or tomatillos. They’re great for keeping plants upright and preventing them from flopping over in the wind.

How do I prevent my tomato cage from falling over?

To keep your cage stable, secure it with T-posts or rebar stakes, or tie it to a fence. If you’re using a wire cage, adding cinder blocks or heavy rocks at the base will help keep it from shifting in strong winds.

Do indeterminate tomatoes need a cage or a trellis?

Indeterminate tomatoes grow tall and keep producing fruit all season, so they need strong support. A tall cage (at least six feet) works well, but a trellis or stake system can also be a good option, especially if you prefer to prune and train your plants.