How to Make Wooden Tomato Cages
Tomato plants need support as they grow. Ripened fruit will bend, break branches and rot if they are left on the ground. There are a variety of materials available to create tomato cages, such as PVC pipe, wire, bamboo and wood. Wooden tomato cages are simple to build, sturdy and effective. Treated lumber and galvanized screws are preferred for longevity. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 3 1-by-2-by-8 treated boards
- 32 1/2-inch galvanized wood screws
- Circular saw
- Measuring tape
- Marking pencil
- Hammer
- Electric screwdriver or screwdriver bits for electric drill
- Builder's square
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark two 1-by-2-by-8 boards into 3 1/2-feet sections. Use a circular saw to cut each board so that there are four 3 1/2-feet sections. Measure and mark the last board to cut it into six 1-foot sections. There should be a total of eight 1-foot sections. Set aside all leftover board.
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2
Measure 6 inches from one end of each of the 3 1/2-feet sections, and mark them. Use the builder's square to measure a 45-degree angle. Use the circular saw to cut the end of each board at a 45-degree angle.
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3
Measure from the 6-inch mark 1 1/2-feet. Lay two marked boards 1 foot apart. Center one 1-foot section of the board over the mark at 1 1/2 feet. Line the ends of the 1-foot boards up with the sides of the 3 1/2-feet sections.
Place two screws on each end using the electric screwdriver. Repeat this at the top (non-angled) end of the 3 1/2-feet sections. Follow this pattern to create one more side of the wooden tomato cage.
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4
Lay one side flat and line up one 1-foot section at the 1 1/2-feet mark so that it covers the end of the first rung. Place two screws centered from the top to hold this rung in place. Repeat this so that there are four rungs attached to the one side. Lay the second side on top of the rungs so that they are lined up. Place two screws at each 1 1/2-feet mark and at the top.
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5
Place the wooden tomato cage over the tomato plant, angled ends down. Use a hammer to pound it into the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
Make wooden tomato cages taller by placing one on top of another. The also can be used for other vine vegetable plants such as cucumbers and squash. Use the leftover board as stakes at 1-foot intervals. String them with jute twine to support beans and peas.
Always wear safety goggles when working with power tools.
