Tomato cages are helpful garden tools that encourage tomato plants to grow upward and keep the tomatoes off the ground to avoid premature spoiling. The best tomato cages give plants the greatest chance to grow tall and strong and to produce healthy and plentiful tomatoes.
High-quality tomato cages are easy to assemble, use, and store, as well as durable enough to accommodate different tomato varieties and stand up to the weather.
Read on to learn the most important factors to keep in mind while you shop. Below, explore some of the best tomato cages to produce an abundance of this tasty fruit (not vegetable).
- BEST OVERALL: K-Brands Tomato Cage
- RUNNER UP: GROWNEER Tomato Garden Cages
- BEST BUDGET: LEOBRO 4 Pack Plant Support Stake
- BEST MIDSIZE: Panacea Products 89723 Tomato and Plant Support Cage
- BEST LARGE: MTB Supply Tomato Cage Plant Support Stake Tower
- BEST ASSORTED: Derlights 5-Pack Tomato Cages
- BEST FOR GROW BAGS: Mimeela 4 Pack Garden Plant Support Tomato Cage
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tomato Cages
Tomato cages help keep tomatoes upright and may even increase the yield of the plants. But how do you choose the best tomato cage? Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping: the construction material, the size and shape of the cage, and assembly options.
Material
Most tomato cages are made of metal with some slight variations. They may come in uncoated metal, coated metal, or galvanized steel. While metal can provide a durable and secure tomato cage, uncoated metal may rust. Coated metal, whether coated plastic or powder, provides better weather resistance.
Another benefit of coated metal is temperature. Uncoated metal can get fiery hot in the sun. If you touch it as you reach for a ripe tomato, it may really burn. Coated metals won’t heat up so much. Consider the planned location of the cages and whether rust resistance matters before you choose a metal.
Size
Tomato cages range in size, with smaller ones measuring up to 15 inches high and larger ones reaching 72 inches high. The right size for you will depend on the size of your garden and what type of tomato plants you plan to grow.
For smaller varieties of tomatoes, such as Tiny Tim and New Big Dwarf, smaller tomato cages should do the trick. Larger plants, such as Beefsteak and Big Boy, will require larger tomato cages. Some tomato cages offer height adjustment, which makes them suitable for various kinds of tomatoes.
Shape
Tomato cages come in three main shapes: curved-link stakes, triangular, and ring style:
- Curved-link stakes, often rectangular, may provide more stability than ring-style cages. They also provide better support for heavier tomatoes and stronger plants. These cages fold up easily for simple storage.
- Triangular cages allow a tomato plant more support for optimal growth because the bars are closer together, which makes them ideal for smaller varieties of tomatoes.
- Ring-style cages with their circular shape provide ample room for tomato plants to grow, which can result in a higher yield, especially when paired with the right tomato fertilizer.
Assembly
Some tomato cages come preassembled; others require assembly with stabilizing poles and connecting pieces. Few tomato cages require tools or assistance to assemble. Generally, larger tomato cages require assembly, while smaller ones may come preassembled or require fewer assembly steps.
For those concerned about assembling a tomato cage, check the manufacturer’s assembly instructions prior to purchase.
Our Top Picks
The following tomato cages made the list of top picks due to their cost, versatility, and durability. Read on for some of the best tomato cages on the market in a variety of categories to help produce gorgeous, healthy, and fruitful plants.
Photo: amazon.com
This three-pack from K-Brands features triangular tomato cages made of plastic-coated steel, which prevents overheating in the sun and resists rust in the rain. Appropriate for larger tomato varieties, they each extend up to 68 inches high. Snap-on clips make it easy to thread tomato vines through the cage and secure them as the plants grow.
Even tomatoes that start small will grow into K-Brands tomato cages thanks to their adjustable height. The green color helps camouflage the cages, which may look neater and more attractive in the garden. While the cages do require assembly, no tools are necessary.
Product Specs
- Height: 68 inches
- Material: Steel core with plastic coating
- Shape: Triangular
Pros
- Comes with three cages
- Made with plastic-coated steel for durability
- Adjustable height; up to 72 inches
- Includes snap-on clips
Cons
- Assembly required
- Expensive
Get the K-Brands tomato cage on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This three-pack from GROWNEER features triangular tomato cages made of plastic-coated steel. After an easy, tool-free assembly, each cage extends to 51 inches tall and 13 inches wide. They adjust to accommodate smaller tomatoes or plants as they grow. Gardeners may also choose to build them around existing plants.
An included 328 feet of garden twist tie helps secure the plants to their posts. Nine included clips keep vines in place. The cages’ green color blends in with tomato plants and the overall look of the garden.
Product Specs
- Height: 51 inches
- Material: Steel core with plastic coating
- Shape: Triangular
Pros
- Comes with three cages and 328 feet of twist tie
- Made with plastic-coated steel
- Adjustable height; up to 51 inches
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be suitable for large tomato varieties
- 13-inch diameter may not fit some planters or buckets
Get the GROWNEER tomato cage on Amazon and at Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
For those growing smaller varieties of tomatoes, these ring-style tomato cages from LEOBRO measure just 15.7 inches high and 9.4 inches wide, yet they offer plenty of support. Available in a pack of four, the cages can stand alone in a half-circle or combine to create a full circle around a plant.
Made with metal and covered in a green plastic coating, these tomato cages are discreet, durable, and easy to use. Their two-piece construction means gardeners can easily place them around plants for support without harming them. They also require virtually no assembly beyond connecting the two halves to form a circle.
Product Specs
- Height: 15.7 inches
- Material: Steel core with plastic coating
- Shape: Half circles
Pros
- Comes with four cages
- Iron construction with green plastic coating
- Adjustable as plants grow
- No assembly required
Cons
- Not meant for larger tomato varieties
Get the LEOBRO tomato cage on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
With 10 included plant cages, this set from Panacea Products belongs in a fruitful garden. Made of galvanized wire, the cages measure 33 inches tall, 6 inches in diameter at the base, and 12 inches in diameter at the top.
The three-rung tapered design provides a sturdy base for small tomatoes and other climbing fruits and vegetables. A smaller bottom diameter means they can fit easily in a garden or an indoor planter, while the large top opening makes it easy to harvest tomatoes when they’re ripe and ready. When not in use, the cages stack for simple storage.
Product Specs
- Height: 33 inches
- Material: Galvanized metal wire
- Shape: Circular
Pros
- Includes 10 cages
- Galvanized wire construction
- 33 inches tall for larger plant varieties
- Stackable construction for storage
Cons
- Expensive
- Not meant for heavy-duty use
Get the Panacea Products tomato cage on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Available in a two-pack, these square-shaped tomato cages from MTB Supply come in rust-resistant galvanized steel. But buyer beware: the wires don’t have a plastic coating, which means their color may stand out in the garden, and they will get pretty hot in the sun.
Each cage may stand alone, or the two can join forces to create a garden lattice. Measuring 46 inches tall by 12 inches wide, these tomato cages accommodate large tomato plants with ease. Additionally, for larger tomato varieties, the square shape offers a sturdy, durable solution. The cages fold flat when not in use, making them easy to store when not needed.
Product Specs
- Height: 46 inches
- Material: Metal with powder coating
- Shape: Square
Pros
- Comes with two cages
- Made with galvanized steel for durability
- Measures 46 inches tall for large tomato varieties
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- Not heat resistant or coated
- Some assembly required
Get the MTB tomato cage on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Create a range of tomato cage shapes with this versatile plant cage set from Derlights. These cages feature a modular design, so growers can link them in several configurations to form different shapes and heights. The set includes 45 plastic-coated steel stakes, 45 connecting arms, and 30 connecting pipes—enough for five three-level triangular tomato cages.
With this flexible set, gardeners can adjust the cage heights to match their tomato plants and other vertical climbing plants. The modular design also accommodates other shapes, like squares or hexagons. This easy-to-use set offers versatile growing options, so gardeners may create the cage that suits their tomato plants’ needs.
Product Specs
- Height: 51 inches
- Material: Steel core with plastic coating
- Shape: Triangular
Pros
- Comes with five adjustable cages
- Made with rust-resistant stainless steel
- 45 stakes, 45 connecting arms, and 30 connecting pipes included
- Affordable
Cons
- Heavy
- Some assembly required
Get the Derlights tomato cage on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
With a 7.1-inch bottom diameter, these small tomato cages will fit comfortably in most small pots and grow bags. This tomato cage set from Mimeela includes four circular plant cages measuring 24 inches high, four self-watering spikes, and 20 plant support clips.
For durability and rust resistance, the cages feature a durable, plastic-coated steel frame. A waterproof cap on the stakes prevents rainwater from rusting the inside. Sharpened bottom points allow for easy insertion into the dirt. Each cage has three height-adjustable rungs, so growers can modify the support as the plant grows.
Product Specs
- Height: 24 inches
- Material: Steel core with plastic coating
- Shape: Circular
Pros
- Comes with four height-adjustable circular cages
- Made with a plastic-coated steel frame
- Measures up to 24 inches tall
- Includes four self-watering spikes and 20 support clips
Cons
- Not meant for large tomato varieties
- Not meant for garden use; suitable for potted plants
Get the Mimeela tomato cage on Amazon.
Our Verdict
With the convenience of three cages and adjustable height, we selected the K-Brands cage as the Best Overall pick. This particular cage offers up to 72 inches of height for both small and large tomato varieties to grow and is made to be durable with a plastic-coated steel construction.
For those looking for a product with even more cages and a smaller price tag, the LEOBRO option comes with four cages and a no-assembly-required iron construction for durability. Plus, its iron frame can be adjusted with ease. Be advised that this option is made for smaller tomato varieties only.
How We Chose the Best Tomato Cages
A tomato cage is a worthy investment for any home gardener. By encouraging upward growth and keeping tomatoes off the ground, a tomato cage will yield healthier, juicier, and more plentiful tomatoes.
That’s why many of our above picks are made with steel or iron construction with plastic or powder coating for durability. Some of these options also have self-watering spikes, stakes, support clips, and connecting arms to aid in proper upward growth.
These top picks also feature a variety of height options for small and large tomato varieties, while others come with adjustable heights to aid in the development of your plant from seedling to fully grown. Finally, some of these options come with triangular, circular, and square constructions for growth type and personal preference.
Note that some of these options come with a higher price tag and are made with heavier materials that may limit portability or replanting.
Tips for Using Tomato Cages
The best tomato cages can certainly help plants stay healthier and produce more tomatoes, but only if used correctly. Tomato cages need to be properly placed and secured around the plant to maximize the benefits. Some cages also include accessories, like plastic ties or clips, to help secure the plant as it grows.
Follow these three tips for properly using tomato cages:
- Use only one tomato cage per tomato plant.
- Submerge the legs of the tomato cage at least several inches into the soil to ensure it is secure.
- As a tomato plant grows, use ties or clips to guide and secure the vines through the cage.
FAQs
If you’re hoping to grow tomatoes, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about tomato cages.
Q: What is the purpose of tomato cages?
Tomato cages help plants grow vertically to keep tomatoes off the ground, which can result in stronger, healthier plants and—as a result—more tomatoes.
Q: How big should a tomato cage be?
The size of the best tomato cage for you depends on the size of the tomato plants that will grow inside them. For smaller varieties, cages of 15 inches high and 10 inches wide work well. Larger varieties will need cages that reach a minimum of 38 inches high and 14 inches wide.
Q: How deep should a tomato cage be?
The tomato cage legs should insert at least 6 inches into the soil to prevent tipping.
Q: When should I cage my tomato plants?
Since tomato cages are submerged into the soil, cage tomato plants during the planting process (or when you move them outdoors) so you don’t disrupt the plant’s root system later in the growing process.
