Are Tomato Spirals Worth Buying Versus Traditional Cages?

Tomatoes might be one of the most popular fruits to grow, but there are some unexpected downsides to growing tomatoes in your garden. One of the most noticeable is that the plants tend to flop, sprawl, and turn into a tangle of leaves if left to their own devices, being vines, after all. And that's where support systems come in — an essential for anyone growing tomatoes. Two popular choices are tomato spirals and traditional cages. While we're all familiar with tomato cages, spirals are a little more unique and, at first glance, look a bit like an art installation in your garden. Using them is straightforward — you simply train the vine to wind upward throughout the spiral as the tomato plant grows. The whole thing is much more neat and compact than a bulky tomato cage.

And because they are small, tomato spirals work well in compact gardens or raised beds where there may be less space. You could even DIY one yourself out of a metal rod or spike. However, as great as they are, spirals are a bit dainty and have a weight limit. While they can handle many indeterminate tomato varieties if pruned regularly, a heavier plant laden with fruit might be too much for them to hold. So, even though they offer space-saving benefits and easy maintenance, they're probably best suited for tomato gardeners who like to keep their plants light and trim, whereas cages offer an advantage here, since their wider frames can handle heavier plants.

Traditional tomato cages may not be the most beautiful, but they are a dependable go-to for a reason. These cone or square-shape supports, usually made of wire, surround the plant completely and offer support from all angles, which makes them ideal for more hands-off gardening. With these, there is no need to train the vine through the cage like you need to do with a spiral — the plant simply grows inside the surround. And they are durable — if you invest in (or make) a good-quality cage and store it properly, it could last for years. Plus, they're quite sturdy and are unlikely to tip over during use, even in windy areas, whereas spirals can be knocked over if not firmly anchored. And while, yes, they are bulkier than a spiral, they're better for plants that are left to grow a bit wild, with no need for extensive pruning into any kind of submission. And fun fact — you can repurpose tomato cages to train your viney houseplants, particularly those that like to trail.

The trade-off is that cages are big and take up much more space than something like a spiral, so they can be annoying to store in the off-season. Harvesting can be tricky, too, with big bushier plants hiding their tomatoes deep within that mass of foliage. 

So, how do you decide which one is right for you, if spirals and cages each bring different strengths to the table? Well, in summary, spirals are neat and compact and ideal for gardeners with limited space or those who enjoy pruning and keeping their plants trim and tidy. Cages, on the other hand, are a much sturdier tool, which means they are also much more durable and long-lasting. They're essentially better for gardeners who prefer to let their plants sprawl or lean into a more "set it and forget it" style of gardening.

Think of spirals as a solid option for small gardens and or smaller, lighter tomato varieties while cages are better for heavy fruiting plants and gardeners who want reliable support without much extra effort, and aren't too fussed about aesthetics. Neither tomato system is actually "better" than the other, of course, it all comes down to your space, the type of tomato you're growing, and the type of gardener you are. And if neither has piqued your interest, there are even more alternatives to support your plants that may be worth exploring.