Say Goodbye To Floppy Plant Vines With A Tomato Cage Solution That Only Takes Minutes

If you've opted for climbing plants in your vegetable garden, such as peas, tomatoes, or beans,you might struggle to find proper supports for them. While you could use a trellis or other built structure to give your plants somewhere to climb, these can be expensive and can end up looking bulky, particularly in smaller yards.

Why not try stacking tomato cages instead? This quick and easy gardening solution involves putting one tomato cage the right side up around your plant, then turning another upside down and placing it on top of the first. Then you simply attach the two cages with zip ties or garden wire, and voila! You have a structure for your tomato vines. This solution is not only taller than a single tomato cage, but those who have used this hack also claim it ends up being sturdier. So, if you are growing large tomatoes that tend to weigh down thinner or shorter cages, or your climbing vines have quickly outgrown a single cage, this could be the perfect solution for you, freeing you up to focus on simple tips and tricks to help tomatoes grow faster. Plus, stacking tomato cages can also work well when growing vegetables in buckets. After all, some vegetables are best when grown in a bucket.

A crucial element of this hack is firmly attaching the two tomato cages together. This can be done using a couple of different techniques. One option is zip ties. This is favored by some gardeners because they are quick and easy to tighten. Just make sure to snip off the ends to give the cages a sleeker appearance. Another option is garden wire. Simply wrap the wire around the two cages at a few points, bending down any sharp ends to avoid injury. Whether you opt for zip ties or wire, choosing some in the same color as your tomato cages can help your vine support look more cohesive.

You may find your cages leaning a bit under heavier plants, even with two cages. If so, you can use zip ties or wire to attach adjacent cages, allowing them to lean on one another for added stability. Or, you could add more structure, such as a tall stake, and affix your tomato cages to it for additional stability.

It is a good idea to cover the ends of the upside-down cage. As these ends are designed to stick into the ground, they are often pointy and sharp, which can be a safety hazard. To mitigate this, try placing a strip of duct tape over the ends to protect yourself when gardening. 

Looking for additional ideas for your climbing plants?  DIY garden trellis structures can upgrade your gardening game and add stability and interest on a larger scale.