Garden Crafts: DIY Rustic Tomato Cage From Sticks

While I have never grown cherry tomatoes, I do know that tomato plants of all kinds generally need support as the tomatoes can get quite heavy, causing the plant to fall over or even break otherwise. So, while the organic tomato seedlings I bought from a local homesteader a month or so ago have yet to actually grow to their expected 1 meter height or provide us with cherry tomatoes just yet, I figured I’d get started on a DIY cherry tomato cage made from sticks, as then hopefully the plant will have more confidence to keep on growing! And even if I wanted to run to the garden supply store and simply buy one of those commercially made wire tomato cages that are everywhere in the USA, well no such luck (fortunately). Instead I get the pleasure of whipping up my own MUCH lovelier version, and I am very happy with the results. I collected a huge bunch of sticks and my husband nearly threw them all out, as it took me over a week to actually get to the this project, but in the end together with the rustic stick garden trellis, I actually used up everything and need to collect some more to make a second tomato cage!  Ah yes, and of course this structure, which isn’t exactly a tomato cage, but more like a garden obelisk, can be used for any plant that needs support or something to climb on. This is such a simple project, and will add a nice touch to your container garden or actual garden, so collect those sticks and make a bunch, you’ll be very happy that you took my advice, promise!

You’ll Need:

• straight sticks for vertical poles
• curved and even semi circular sticks for the horizontal pieces
• something natural looking to bind the sticks to one another, preferably hemp string, but I used a ball of natural wool that I had on hand

How To:

1. Cut four sticks of equal length to serve as the vertical poles.
2. Stick them into the perimeter of the pot, evenly spaced.
3. If you like you can bring the three sticks together at the top to form a teepee or wigwam shape, and bind them together with your string
4. Now add at least one row of sticks around the perimeter, binding the horizontal sticks to the vertical sticks where the two meet.
5. Add another row or two, or if you are like me, wait and plan on adding some rows of hemp string for additional support when needed.
   I just love this rustic touch to my container garden, and now I’m dreaming of all kinds of fun garden structures!
   Enjoy adding creative and useful touches to your garden using natural materials, the results are truly special. And just by the way, this is a great project for kids as well, and you can learn about more garden crafts for kids here.