Anyone ever try building cages like Charles Wilber?
I have been reading everything I can find on growing tomatoes and I want to try building a raised bed with a 16’ tall tomato cage to grow a few straight up. Has anyone else read his book and tried it?
by CReisch21
8 Comments
Nuclear420v
I use 9ft tall cattle/hog panels staked with fence rod and use trellis clips.
ChicagoSkipper
That is amazing. What would it be like to have to choose only one tomato plant per season, and still end up with more than you could eat?
ILoveCreatures
One thing I would add for consideration is how much you’d like to be on ladders when tending tomatoes. If it’s not an issue, continue on!
Wolverlog
I made similar ones 8′ tall using a 8′ by 4′ concrete remesh panel. Didn’t get enough sun to reach the top, can’t imagine tomato plants this tall!
motherfudgersob
Too dangerous. Risking falling off a ladder that high (you fall 16 ft something will be injured…you could have permanent damage) for tomatoes is just silly. 8-10 ft wires on posts similarly situated (deeply planted) and then let them flop over works fine. To recap: high cost to do this, some risk being on ladder, lots of word and added risk to spray, inspect, trim on the ladder….and for what extra real benefit?
Not trying to be rude OP and love you’re enthusiasm, but law of diminishing returns. Just not worth it to me.
Pink_Poodle_NoodIe
A whole lot of ketchup and bug eggs.
carlitospig
Mine grew above my rain gutters. Does that count? But those were just 6ft bamboo stakes.
kirby83
If you like cherry tomatoes I would try cherry Roma. They would climb onto my garage roof if they had enough support.
8 Comments
I use 9ft tall cattle/hog panels staked with fence rod and use trellis clips.
That is amazing. What would it be like to have to choose only one tomato plant per season, and still end up with more than you could eat?
One thing I would add for consideration is how much you’d like to be on ladders when tending tomatoes. If it’s not an issue, continue on!
I made similar ones 8′ tall using a 8′ by 4′ concrete remesh panel. Didn’t get enough sun to reach the top, can’t imagine tomato plants this tall!
Too dangerous. Risking falling off a ladder that high (you fall 16 ft something will be injured…you could have permanent damage) for tomatoes is just silly. 8-10 ft wires on posts similarly situated (deeply planted) and then let them flop over works fine. To recap: high cost to do this, some risk being on ladder, lots of word and added risk to spray, inspect, trim on the ladder….and for what extra real benefit?
Not trying to be rude OP and love you’re enthusiasm, but law of diminishing returns. Just not worth it to me.
A whole lot of ketchup and bug eggs.
Mine grew above my rain gutters. Does that count? But those were just 6ft bamboo stakes.
If you like cherry tomatoes I would try cherry Roma. They would climb onto my garage roof if they had enough support.