Why can't I contain my tomatoes??

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Posted by rmontcal 7A (My Page) on

Wed, Jul 10, 13 at 20:16

I'm new to this forum. I put cages around several tomato plants this year that have since escaped or overgrown their cages. What should I have done differently or how should I have adapted my staking strategy? Can the tomatoes just flop anywhere and thrive?

Also, they aren't ripening.... But maybe it is too early.

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RE: Why can't I contain my tomatoes??

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Posted by seysonn 7b WA/HZ 1 (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 10, 13 at 20:47

You will know that those 3-ring cages are worthless in practice. First, they are too narrow. Second, they are too short. Third, they are not sturdy.

Now, here is what you can do. Get 4 piece of 6 foot stake(wooden or rebar) . Drive them down, at equal spacing around the cage, so that they are about 15 inches away from the plant's main stem. So when you drive about one foot into the ground, you will end up with about 5ft above the ground. Now, weave those stakes together, such that all plant branches are inside.(starting from bottom to top).

RE: Why can't I contain my tomatoes??

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Posted by qaguy Sunset 21/LosAngeles (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 10, 13 at 21:43

Or try my PVC cages.

But in any circumstances, tomato plants go pretty much
anywhere they want.

Or do a search on cages here on GW. You'll find lots
of ways to try and contain them.....good luck with that!

Here is a link that might be useful: PVC cages

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