The Cheapest Way To DIY A Custom Cage For Floppy Peonies

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The beauty of peonies simply can't be understated. From the gorgeous pink and red varieties to the yellows and whites, these voluminous flowers have been known to grab even the most diligent motorist's attention while they're driving through residential areas. But they have a downside ... they droop. Without support, most varieties of this lovely plant simply can't stand on their own and will eventually fall to the ground. On top of that, your typical two-tier peony cage can range anywhere from $10 to $50 or more. This can add up quickly if you have lots of bulbs. How do you save on supports when you have dozens of bulbs to plant? There is one easy hack that you can try: Cut your tomato cages in two pieces.

The last thing you want to do is spend the time and effort planting and caring for your peonies, only for them to fall from the weight of their own blooms come springtime. A cage or support system is an absolute must for these petal pals. You can buy a tomato cage from Walmart for $3, cut it in half, and easily double your savings the next time you head out to purchase supplies for your new peony bulbs. This gardening hack is even cheaper if you already have old tomato cages you can use. So, if you're new to the wonderful world of peonies and are still learning how to grow peonies successfully, note that finding inexpensive but good support options for these top-heavy plants is well worth the effort.

Staying on top of your peony maintenance is an absolute must if you want to get the best and longest blooms out of these plants. And failing to provide good support is unfortunately a common mistake that many people make when growing peonies, especially those growing them for the first time. The good thing about this hack is that it doesn't take a lot of preparation, time, or money. The only thing you'll need is a tomato cage with four tiers (so four rings). You may need more tomato cages depending on your bulb count. You'll also need a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters, like this KSEIBI heavy-duty mini bolt cutter. 

It's also helpful to don a pair of heavy-duty gloves, just to avoid any scrapes when handling the freshly cut cage wire. For this DIY, take your cutters and cut the vertical stems on the cage just above the second ring. This leaves you with two separate two-tier cages. Drive the cage into the ground so that the stakes are a few inches deep to ensure support. It's best to purchase rings that are at least 24 inches high so that they may fully support the tall-growing peonies.

The best time to put the cage over the peonies is early in the growing season, before the leaves unfurl. This way, the stems will grow through the openings as the plants get taller. Otherwise, you may risk damaging them if they're fully leafed. The variety and sizes of your bulbs will determine how closely together you can plant peonies, but generally, 2 to 3 feet per plant is recommended, with one bulb per cage. Planting them too close together can disrupt airflow. 

Tomato cages are a quick go-to for creating DIY peony cages, but there are other alternatives to consider. For example, if you are truly dedicated to saving money on this task or simply have a lot of pennies to grow, consider making a support cage from fallen rigid branches in your yard (or nearby areas) or even Mininfa bamboo stakes. To do this, you'll need some FloraCraft garden wire and your wire cutters. You'll need a total of ten sticks. 

Start by taking your sticks (or stakes) and cutting four 24-inch pieces, four 12-inch pieces, and two 18-inch pieces with your wire cutters. Then, bind two of the 18-inch sticks together with the wire, forming a cross shape. Afterward, take four 12-inch sticks and create a square shape, securing them together with the wire. Make sure that they are secured tightly and not wobbly. Then set the square piece on your worktable and lay your crossed sticks on top of it, securing these two pieces together with wire in the middle of the cross. 

Finally, secure your four 24-inch sticks to the bottom of this piece with wire, creating the legs for your DIY support cage. And remember, supporting your peonies doesn't stop at the cage. It's always important to know the best methods and ways to take care of your peonies in the fall, spring, and other months to keep these ornamental bloom buddies coming back each year.