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To: Pollard

You just tuck in a branch or branches as they grow, which is rapidly at this time of year.

Cheaper than cages, easier for myself than placing cattle panels, tying to an overhead, etc. Add layers every few days as needed.


84 posted on 06/18/2022 9:14:55 PM PDT by reformedliberal (Make yourself less available.)
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To: reformedliberal; Pollard

You guys are MUCH more ambitious than I am! I invested in the square metal, collapsible (for storage) cages years ago and I never looked back. They run about $8 a piece (probably more now) but they are sturdy and are a god-send!

I have 4’ x 8’ raised beds. I do three Indeterminate tomatoes in each bed, or four if they are Determinate and don’t get as big. Staggered, for good airflow. I then use bungee cords between the cages in all directions and they help support one another through the growing season.

They work equally as well with a stake/fence post in one corner in an open-row garden situation too, as I did at my other farm, pre-raised beds. At the end of the season, I just let everything go to crispy brown and with a little pruning or bigger branches, the cages just pull up and off the plants. (Sometimes I’m lazy about pruning.)

This year I am giving myself a break. I planted 36 tomatoes last year - this year only 24. ;) All I need to can this season is Salsa and Dilly Beans. I am still good on everything else, after nearly killing myself with the canning LAST year - which was a stellar growing year, compared to the one I’m having now.

There are some things I don’t mind spending money on for the garden. Those square cages have become one of them. :)


90 posted on 06/19/2022 6:13:44 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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