Tomato plants need tomato supports as they grow, and the correct support can make all the difference in the health and productivity of your plants. After trying various options, we’ve narrowed down our top three tomato supports that provide the best balance of functionality, durability, and value. Over the years we have used bamboo, green hollow steel plant stakes and either they snapped or they bent when the tomatoes came on. You can check out how we grow our tomatoes from seed from seed to harvest in our tomato guide available in print or digital format. Here are our three top choices for supporting tomato plants through the summer and fall.

#1 Rebar, T-Posts, and Twine

Our top pick is a DIY solution using rebar, T-posts, and jute twine. You can use just rebar or T-posts if you want but, we like to use a mix. This method offers unparalleled flexibility and customization. Simply drive the rebar into the ground (we use a 3 lb cross pein hammer from Harbor Freight) and add T-posts, and wrap twine around the structure to create a sturdy support system as the tomato grows. I check one or twice a week to see if more twine needs to be added as the plant is trained upwards. The primary reason we use this is because we grow a lot of tomatoes in a row. This option allows us flexibility to choose exactly how much support is needed depending on how many plants we put into the ground. This method takes time to install and maintenance, but it has stood up through summer storms with no issues where other solutions (mentioned above) have failed and damaged or killed plants.

#2 Epic Gardening Standard Size 46×14” Heavy-Duty Tomato Cage

Coming in second is the Epic Gardening Standard Size 46×14” Heavy-Duty Tomato Cage. This cage is sturdy and not flimsy at all and only takes seconds to assemble and easy to go into the grown with a simple push from the top and sides. Each cage is made with galvanized steel so say goodbye to the flimsy mess of cone shaped cages. These cage shave plenty of space to be able to reach in to prune or remove suckers. Also fantastic to see for any pests like the hornworm! These are fantastic for determinate and indeterminate tomatoes. If you are unfamiliar with these terms check out our guide for help! The cages almost fit well in the Epic Gardening 15 Gal+ grow bags! And even better yet they are collapse able and lay flat so you can stack these and free up storage! We prefer these cages for tomato plants that are grown away from our main row due to spacing issues. In a matter of about 2 minutes (when the plant is small and the cage easily slips over it) you have a full season’s support installed for each tomato plant. The cost per tomato plant is higher, but you’re essentially buying back your time and energy with how strong, quick and simple this solution is.

Use my Epic Gardening referral link to save on their products: Plus, don’t forget to use code HOPEANDWILDFLOWERS5 for 5% off your purchase!

#3 Panacea Vibrant 42 in. H X 16 in. W Assorted Steel Tomato Cage from Ace Hardware

Our third spot goes to the Panacea Vibrant 42 in. H X 16 in. W Assorted Steel Tomato Cage from Ace Hardware. This vibrant cage adds a pop of color to your garden while offering reliable support for your tomato plants. The sturdy galvanized steel wire frame is coated to ensure a long lifespan, making it an excellent value for the price. This cage is high-quality and fits perfectly into any 5 gallon bucket. Lowes, Home Depot and Harbor Freight all have 5 gallon buckers for sale at a reasonable price. Harbor Freight has red which is fantastic for tomatoes. Red light stimulates tomato plants to use more phosphorous, which leads to more flowers and fruit! We use this solution in our 5 gallon buckets because the side walls of the bucket also provide support ensuring that the cage doesn’t move. If we want a cage for out in the garden, we much prefer the Epic Gardening Heavy-Duty cages.

These three tomato supports offer the perfect blend of functionality, durability, and value. Whether you prefer a DIY approach or a pre-made solution, there’s an option on this list for everyone. By providing the necessary support for your tomato plants, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest and a thriving garden.

See video below to see these in action be used at our home.