Protect Your Garden's Harvest and Encourage Growth with These Tomato Cages (2024)

A tomato cage is a support structure specifically designed to help tomato plants (and other climbing plants) grow upright and prevent them from sprawling on the ground, which also decreases their risk of diseases and pests. Some options can even add a colorful and unique focal point to your garden or patio.

Most tomato cages are made of plastic, steel, wire, or a combination of these that provide durability, stability, and resistance to rust and the elements. Additionally, tomato cages have wide spacing that allows for easy access and adjustable rods or stakes to accommodate your plant’s growth.

When selecting a tomato cage, it’s important to know the type of tomato plant you have, determinate vs. indeterminate tomatoes, since they have different growth requirements and need a specific size and shape of the cage. You'll also want to consider the size of your growing space.

Autumn Hilliard-Knapp, horticulturist at Perfect Plants Nursery, says that tomatoes should be spaced appropriately to allow for good air circulation, reduce the risk of diseases, and allow for sunlight to reach every part of the plant. “Indeterminate tomatoes typically require 24 to 36 inches of spacing between plants, while determinate varieties can be planted closer, usually around 18 to 24 inches apart,” she says.

Choosing the right tomato cage can also depend on a few factors such as budget or level of maintenance, so we researched top-rated options and evaluated them based on their durability, stability, versatility, ease of use, and compatibility.

Our Top Picks

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What We Like

  • Adjustable height and shape

  • Rust-proof and weather-resistant

  • Folds for easy storage

What We Don't Like

  • Not as sturdy as steel options

If you’re looking for adjustable, affordable, effective, and versatile tomato cages for planters or directly in a garden bed, look no further than the Legigo Tomato Cage. These cages are available in packs of two, four, six, and eight, each one containing a varying amount of snap-on plastic steel core stakes, tubes, and plant ties. We like that the height and frame of each cage can be adjusted: the height from 16 to 65 inches, and the frames in shapes of triangles, squares, flat, and more.

You don’t need any tools to assemble these cages and their materials are rust-proof and weather-resistant, perfect for growing tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables outdoors.

While we do think these tomato cages offer decent support, they’re not as sturdy as all-steel options, like our best heavy duty pick, so they may not be suitable for larger and heavier tomato varieties or larger plants.

Dimensions: 48.6 x 13 inches | Material: Plastic | Shape: Varies | Foldable: Yes | Assembly: No tools needed

What We Like

  • Adjustable rings

  • Includes garden twist tie with a built-in cutter

  • Easy to install in different soil types

What We Don't Like

  • Not suitable for larger plants

While tomato cages aren’t exactly the gardening item with the highest price tag, the cost may add up if you need several. We think this 4-pack is the best budget-friendly option since you essentially get four for the price of one. We like that this cone-shaped tomato cage has adjustable rings for healthy upright growth and support, and a spool of garden twist ties are included along with a built-in cutter so you don’t have to waste time reaching for scissors.

The pointed stakes make it easy to insert into soil while the caps on the tops of the waterproof rods act as protection from rust. Due to its cone shape and a maximum height of 18 inches, however, these tomato cages are not suitable for larger plants or outdoor gardens. But if you are looking for something to give your potted plants and vegetables some extra support, these are an excellent affordable option.

Dimensions: 18 inch height; 3 adjustable rings: 5.5, 6.3 inches, and 7.1 inches | Material: Alloy steel, plastic | Shape: Ring/cone | Foldable: Yes | Assembly: None

What We Like

  • Hold over 100 pounds

  • Made of durable alloy steel

  • Small footprint

What We Don't Like

  • Not foldable

Even if you don’t have the horizontal space for a garden, you can still successfully grow tomatoes and other vining plants with the help of our best heavy duty tomato cage pick. We like Gardener’s Supply Company Tomato Ladders for their impressive durability, managing to hold over 100 pounds.

They come in a set of three and they’re also made of seven-millimeter alloy steel uprights, making them long-lasting and weather-proof. You can feel confident and assured about growing large tomatoes and other heavier climbing plants with these cages.

Although they’re not foldable, they do nest so you can stack them for off-season storage. If you’re in the market for a sturdy, V-shaped tomato cage to grow your tomatoes without taking up precious garden real estate, these may be the ones for you.

Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 57 inches overall including 13 inch legs | Material: Alloy steel | Shape: V | Foldable: No | Assembly: None

What We Like

  • Can be folded into different shapes

  • Sturdy and stable

  • Easy assembly

What We Don't Like

  • Only available in a 4-pack

Folding tomato cages are not only useful for easy storage, but their shape is versatile to create wall supports and other shapes. We recommend the S Afstar 4-pack Folding Tomato Cages for its stable and durable iron frame, and because it can be both collapsed into a quarter of its original size and folded into different shapes. Whether you want this cage enclosed, half-folded, or tile, it offers complete versatility for nearly all types of climbing plants, especially tomatoes.

Additionally, these are resistant to heat and rust and the assembly is quite simple—just lock each corner into place and connect the panels. Despite the slightly higher price tag of these tomato cages (compared to other foldable options), we think they’re a good choice if you have several plants and want to store the cages easily in the off-season.

Dimensions: 16 x 39.3 inches | Material: Iron | Shape: Rectangle | Foldable: Yes | Assembly: No tools required

What We Like

  • 80 inches tall

  • Best for indeterminate tomatoes

  • Weather-resistant and durable

What We Don't Like

  • Not foldable

Most tomato cages are just under 4 or 4.5 feet tall. We like the Gardener’s Supply Company Titan Tall Tomato Cages because they tower over other options at a total of 80 inches. If you’re growing indeterminate tomatoes, these are helpful for their extra height that will provide support for your continuously growing plant.

Made of a high-quality steel and polyethylene plastic casing, we like that these cages are weather-resistant and durable enough to last you for several seasons. It’s important to note that these cages are not foldable (but can be disassembled) in case you prioritize a more practical storage solution. If this is not an issue, then these are the best tall tomato cages and a great long-term investment for your vegetable garden.

Dimensions: 19.5 x 80 inches | Material: Steel, plastic | Shape: Circular | Foldable: Yes | Assembly: Yes

What We Like

  • No assembly required

  • Foldable

  • Adjustable rings

What We Don't Like

  • No mixed height set

Whether you’re just starting on your tomato-growing journey, or maybe you’re just interested in growing dwarf varieties, potted tomato plants still need an efficient cage. We love the KLS 3 Pack Tomato Cage because each one can be folded flat, does not require any assembly, and has adjustable rings. These cages are great for small to medium tomatoes, peppers, beans, and climbing plants such as ivy.

We love that these sets are available in three heights—24, 36, and 48 inches—but we do wish there was an option for a mixed-height set. In other words, if you’re looking for different heights for your various pot sizes, you’ll need to invest in multiple sets. However, we think their quality, durability, and ease of use are more than worth it.

Dimensions: 8.7 x 24 inches | Material: Steel, plastic | Shape: Ring/cone | Foldable: Yes | Assembly: None

What We Like

  • No need for plant ties

  • Aesthetically pleasing

  • Doesn’t take up much space

What We Don't Like

  • Need to install pretty deep into the ground for stability

Tomato cages are usually rectangular or circular, forming a cage around your plant which takes up plenty of space. Others, like the Gardener's Blue Ribbon Twist Tomato Cage, offer support without taking up valuable garden real estate. We love this twisted steel pole that not only looks whimsical and aesthetically pleasing, but it effectively supports and trains plants without blocking sunlight which makes them an optimal choice for raised garden beds.

Because of its twisted shape, you don’t need plant ties and it can be easily stored without the need for collapsing or folding.Just keep in mind that you'll need to install this pretty deep into the ground (about 12 inches), to keep it stable.

Dimensions: 48 inches (when 12 inches pressed into the ground) | Material: Steel | Shape: Upright twist | Foldable: No | Assembly: None

What We Like

  • Offers extra stability

  • Adjustable height

  • Easy assembly

What We Don't Like

  • Not for heavy or large fruits

If you live in a particularly windy region, a square tomato cage is an excellent option for the supportive angles it offers. We love the Hoyejyou 3 Pack Tomato Cages for their easy assembly (and disassembly) and sturdy construction that is weather-resistant, specifically for high winds.

The height is adjustable, so you don’t have to compromise when your fruits and plants start growing, and these come with 66 twist ties to keep everything in place. While we like these for small tomato varieties, flowering plants, and fruits such as berries and small tomatoes, they may not be suitable for larger fruits and plants.

Dimensions: 41.5 x 14 x 14 inches | Material: Steel, plastic | Shape: Square | Foldable: No | Assembly: No tools required

If you prefer growing small tomato varieties, such as grape and cherry tomatoes, you might be growing them in a smaller pot versus an outdoor garden. We think the Garmeinea 6 Pack Plant Support Cages are the best for small tomatoes since they come in a six-pack and have adjustable rings that are ideal for providing support for small tomatoes.

It has a maximum height of 18 inches and comes with 98 feet of twist tie to keep your tomatoes in place. We also like that the steel stakes have a weather-resistant plastic coating for extra durability.

Just note that while these work for small tomatoes, they may not work for young tomatoes that start off small and get larger and heavier as they grow. However, if you’re only interested in a cage for small fruits and small delicate flowering plants such as jasmine, this is the best tomato cage for you.

Dimensions: 18-inch height; 3 adjustable rings: 5.5, 6.3, and 7.1 inches | Material: Steel, plastic | Shape: Rings/cone | Foldable: Yes No | Assembly: No tools required

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick for the best tomato cage is Legigo 6-Pack Tomato Cage for its adjustable height and frame and versatility to use with different types of plants. We also love the JCKHXG 4 Pack Tomato Cage, our best budget pick. While best for smaller tomato plants, we like that the rings are adjustable to meet the needs of your plants, and it’s easy to install in a variety of soil types thanks to the pointed stakes.

What to Look for in a Tomato Cage

Durability

According to Hilliard-Knapp, tomatoes need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to grow and thrive so it’s important to choose a durable tomato cage that can both withstand outdoor conditions and support the weight of plants.

“A durable tomato cage is essential to withstand the weight of the tomato plant and its fruit,” she says. “It should be able to support the plant throughout the entire growing season without bending or collapsing, ensuring long-lasting usage.”

Tomato cages such as our best heavy-duty pick, the Gardener’s Supply Company Tomato Ladders, are made of iron, are foldable, and useful for several types of climbing plants.

Stability

Large tomato varieties can get quite heavy, so Hilliard-Knapp suggests choosing tomato cages with a sturdy design and secure anchoring system to ensure they stay in place. A stable tomato cage will also last you season after season.

“A stable tomato cage prevents the plant from toppling over or getting damaged in windy conditions or when laden with fruit,” she says. “Stability prevents the plant from leaning or falling, reducing the risk of breakage or damage.”

Additionally, a tomato cage that is square, like our best square pick, the Hoyejyou 3 Pack Tomato Cages, is completely made of steel and typically offers more stability and durability.

Versatility

Tomato cages aren’t solely meant for one variety of tomatoes, but because they come in different shapes and sizes, some are better suited for small tomatoes, while others work best for large tomatoes. Hilliard-Knapp recommends choosing a tomato cage that not only works with all types of tomato plants, but other fruits, vegetables, and climbing plants.

“A versatile tomato cage is an adaptable one,” she says. “Some cages can be adjusted in height and width, accommodating various plant sizes and growth habits. This versatility ensures that the cage can be reused for different plants in your garden.” For example, our best overall pick, the Legigo 6-Pack Tomato Cage, can be adjusted from 16 to 65 inches tall, and the frames can be shaped into triangles, squares, or more to suit a range of plants.

Ease of use

Installing a tomato cage can take some time, depending on its shape, size, and material. Choosing an easy-to-install and adjustable tomato cage will allow for hassle-free gardening on your part while still maintaining support for your plant.

“An easy-to-use tomato cage simplifies the process of setting it up and supporting the plant overall,” says Hilliard-Knapp. “Look for cages that are straightforward to assemble, disassemble, and store. User-friendly features, such as built-in connectors or collapsible designs, can make installation and removal a breeze.” We love the S Afstar 4-pack Folding Tomato Cages, our best foldable pick, because it’s easy to install and store.

Compatibility

It’s best to understand the type of tomato cage you need before buying one and realizing it’s either too big or too small for your tomato variety. For Hilliard-Knapp, considering the compatibility of the tomato cage is directly tied to your desired growing method.If you’re only growing tomatoes or other small fruits in a pot, you can opt for the KLS 3 Pack Tomato Cage, our best for potted plants pick.

“Whether you are growing tomatoes in the ground, raised beds, or containers, ensure the cage is suitable for the specific gardening system you plan to use,” she says. “Some tomato cages are specifically designed for container gardening, while others may work better for traditional, in-ground plantings.”

Some tomato cages, like our best for small tomatoes pick, the Garmeinea 6 Pack Plant Support Cages, are suitable for small tomato varieties while others, like our best for raised beds pick, theGardener's Blue Ribbon Twist Tomato Cage, are better suited outdoors in a garden or raised bed.

FAQ

  • How tall should a tomato cage be?

    When determining the ideal height for a tomato cage, factors such as the tomato plant's variety and potential growth need to be considered. If you’re growing small varieties in a pot, you can opt for a shorter cage that’s at least 14 inches tall and is conic or triangular shape like our best overall pick, the Legigo Tomato Cage, or our best budget pick, the JCKHXG 4 Pack Tomato Cage. Large tomato cages, like our best tall pick, the Gardener’s Supply Company Titan Tall Tomato Cages, can reach up to 80 inches.

    “For larger tomato plants, it is recommended to use tomato cages that can extend to at least 68 inches tall,” says Hilliard-Knapp. “This should provide adequate support for the plants as they grow.”

  • Can I use tomato cages for other plants?

    Despite their label of “tomato cage,” these structural supports are quite versatile. Hilliard-Knapp says you can use these on a variety of plants, flowers, and produce to provide support.

    “Some plants that might benefit from your tomato cage are peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, beans, peas, and ornamental vines,” she says.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for The Spruce. She has mastered the art of plant maintenance with her collection of over seventy houseplants. To make this list, Daniela researched dozens of tomato cages and read numerous customer reviews to provide the best options for those who want to maximize their tomatoes’ growth potential.

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Protect Your Garden's Harvest and Encourage Growth with These Tomato Cages (2024)

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