Cage 'Em or Stake 'Em?

Almost everyone raises tomatoes. One decision you need to make is whether to cage that plant or stake it. If you go for caging be sure to use one that is sturdy because that plant is going to be quite heavy by the time the fruits start to mature. Many of the cages available for purchase are so flimsy they won't be able to support the weight so if you want to cage your plants, it is advisable to make your own. Be sure the cage will be will be tall enough for the plant--about 5 feet tall--and can be set in the ground far enough to be secure.  Here is another point to ponder.  Be sure the holes in the wire are large enough to reach through to harvest those luscious tomatoes.  Wouldn't it be terrible to realize too late that you had used wire with too small a guage!  There may be someone out there somewhere, though,  who has had that experience. 

Your other option is staking the plant, which is what I prefer. Tomatoes like good air circulation, which helps control plant diseases, and in my opinion the staked plants mature earlier. I use six and a half foot metal fence posts and drive them into the ground as far as I can. It is best to do this just before setting the plant in the ground.  Using metal posts provides an extra boost for the plants after storms.  The suckers must be removed from the plant regularly, and the plant must be tied loosely to the stake. Cut crosswise strips of pantyhose for this purpose. Staking tomatoes is more work (and that is contrary to my nature), but I'm kind of "old fashioned" in this respect.