What Are the Benefits of Using Tomato Cages on Plants?

Air and Sun

• Tomato plants need bright, all-day sunshine, good drainage and air circulation for optimum growth and blooming. They will not thrive in shade or crowded conditions. Cages help ensure sun and air circulation for the plants by getting the foliage off of the ground. The cages also ensure bright sun and air circulation for the fruit, which rots more readily if it sits on the damp, shaded ground.

Insect Protection

• Tomato fruits and vines fall prey to a range of soil-dwelling insects, including grubs, caterpillars, nematodes and beetles. Cages elevate both fruit and foliage to restrict exposure to insects. It also helps gardeners more easily find and eliminate any pests on the plants that can cause damage or hinder fruit production.

Disease Prevention

• Tomatoes fall prey to a range of diseases, including Verticillium and Fusarium wilt, which destroy foliage, harm stems and decrease fruit yield. These diseases live as fungal spores in the soil and travel up the plants to attack the bottom 12 to 18 inches of foliage. Cage or stake tomatoes to keep them away from soil, then water the plants at their bases only. Lay 2 inches of wood chips, pine bark or gravel on the soil to build a barrier between the plants and the soil and to prevent soil splashing onto plant stems.

Plant Growth

• Some varieties of tomatoes can grow to 8 to 10 feet tall with the right care. This requires room for healthy growth. Cages, stakes or a trellis system provide room for growth and training, while preserving space in the garden by giving them vertical growing space for a larger harvest.

Support Structures

• Tomatoes grow on a range of different structures with equal success, although many gardeners develop their own preferences. Use store-bought vegetable or tomato cages, spiral structures, single stakes or large trellis systems. You can put trellis netting over walls for support or use established chain-link fences. Tie tomato vines up and outward with soft cord, twine or felt strips and use loose, looping ties to avoid damage. Don't tie fruiting stems as these may break and damage the plant.