How Do You Make Cheap Tomato Stakes & Cages?
Tomato plants are vining plants and will eventually sprawl all over the garden if not trained to a trellis or a stake. This can lead to rotted fruit, since the tomatoes end up in contact with ground moisture, and can make the plants more prone to insect and disease infestation. Garden centers sell trellises and cages for use on tomatoes, but they have two downsides: They are often expensive, and they are either not strong enough or large enough for many tomato varieties. Making your own cheap tomato stakes and cages is simple and only takes a little time. Save branches after pruning trees on your property. Choose branches that are at least 2 inches in diameter and 6 feet long. Cut longer branches to a length of 6 feet using a table or handsaw. Strip off any twigs or leaves still remaining on the branches. Cut the end of each branch at a 45-degree angle, using a handsaw. This forms a sharp point for driving into the ground. Push each stake into the garden soil behind the tomato seedling
