Q&A for How to Cage Tomatoes

There are traps efficient against white flies. Another solution can be predatory insects like Encarsia Formosa and Macrolophus Caliginosus.

You should only put one plant per cage, as they will be overcrowded once mature. Tomato plants need room to spread and climb.

Tomato plants can indeed grow very large. To reduce squeezing, you can prune some of the suckers (branches) to manage plant size and improve air circulation within the cage. While cages do not typically cause bug issues, dense growth can sometimes create conditions where pests thrive. For bug control, consider using a strong spray from a garden hose to dislodge them, or apply an appropriate insecticidal soap or spray if necessary.

You can improve cage stability by thoroughly watering the soil beforehand to make it easier to push the cage spikes deep. For added support, consider driving rebar or sturdy stakes through the cage's lower rungs and into the ground.

Yes, you can effectively use a cage to support tomato plants grown in 5-gallon buckets or 12 to 16-inch pots. Always ensure your plants receive sufficient water and fertilizer.

Yes, you can plant four tomato plants in one large (4’ square) cage, but it may be difficult to manage. Typically, a single plant per cage is recommended for easier management and fruit harvesting, as a large cage with multiple plants can become densely packed with stems.

You can, but it is generally recommended to place only one plant per cage. Even small transplants, especially cherry tomatoes, can grow quite large and will fill the cage if properly watered and fertilized.

You should not. There is no horticultural reason to apply aspirin to tomato plants, as the minimal amount of acid would not significantly impact a healthy, mature plant.

You should place the small end of the cage into the ground. This allows the plants to expand into the larger end as they grow.

You should fertilize tomato plants every 3-4 weeks if they are in your garden, and every week if they are in a large pot.

You should typically apply a water-soluble fertilizer when watering in a tomato plant at transplant time. Then, you can apply fertilizer every 3-4 weeks throughout the season.

No, a tomato cage is not strong enough to support a newly transplanted tree.