If you are tired of your tomato plants collapsing under their own weight by mid-summer, building custom cages from galvanized cattle panels is the ultimate solution. This project creates a rigid structure that stands up to heavy winds and high yields across all USDA hardiness zones. You will learn how to cut, shape, and install panels that can support even the most prolific Solanum lycopersicum varieties.
Gathering Materials
To build these cages, you need standard 16-foot by 50-inch galvanized cattle panels, bolt cutters, and heavy-duty zip ties or UV-resistant twine. One panel can typically yield two to three individual cages, depending on the desired diameter. Always use galvanized steel to prevent rust during long, wet growing seasons.
Cutting and Sizing
For most indeterminate tomato plants, a cage with a 18-to-24-inch diameter is ideal.
- Measure your desired circumference on the panel.
- Use your bolt cutters to snip the horizontal wires, leaving 3-inch long 'tails' or 'prongs' at the end of each vertical wire.
- Wrap the panel into a circle, overlapping the edges.
- Secure the structure by twisting those wire tails around the adjacent vertical wire to lock the cage in place.
Pro tip: Bend the bottom wire prongs into small 'U' shapes and push them 4 to 6 inches deep into the soil to anchor your cage against tipping in heavy summer storms.
Placement and Maintenance
Place your cages immediately after transplanting your seedlings when they are still small. This prevents damage to the delicate root systems that often occurs if you try to squeeze a cage over a mature plant later in the season.
Seasonal Storage
Because these cages are made of rigid steel, they do not collapse easily. If you have limited space, you can stack them vertically in a corner of your shed or leave them in the garden bed year-round. Since they are galvanized, they will hold up beautifully even when temperatures drop well below 32°F throughout the winter months.
With these sturdy supports, your tomatoes will stay upright and healthy all season long.