Tomato Stakes from repurposed fence

I needed a lot of tomato cages this year as I expanded my veggie garden. When I researched the prices of cages, I stumbled upon information regarding professional growers. They don't generally use cages, they use stakes. I thought, "Stakes have to be cheaper than cages". And they are... but I needed 48!!! So, I went shopping in my shed, in my garage, and anywhere else I thought I might find something to repurpose into tomato stakes and/or cages.

Last year, I was given vinyl fencing material. At the time, I had big plans for that fence.... but then I changed my mind. So instead of sending the fence to the landfill, I tucked it into a corner of my yard until I found someone who could use it or I found a new purpose for it. That fence material has become my new tomato stakes and cages.

It's a very simple process.

Step 1: Materials Needed

Get your hands on some vinyl fencing. I found mine through a bartering/free website, but I have seen fencing at garage sales and flea markets. Vinyl fencing is very durable and will last a long time. This pic is the fencing that I have remaining after my projects are completed. These slats are 1' by 2' and 6 feet long.

Comments

[canida]

Nice reuse! I can't stand most commercial tomato stakes/cages, so this is looking quite good.

[daisybird]

I am very happy with my results. I agree with you about the commercial cages... they cost too much and very often, they don't deliver.

[modern man]

Great job of re-purposing. I found that when cutting various plastics with a saw like this, it is best to use a blade with the smallest teeth, or the greatest number of teeth possible (ie. 40 or 60 TPI - teeth per inch). Cut slowly and that usually gives the smoothest cut with fewer small pieces breaking off & flying about.

[daisybird]

Thanks for the tip! My cuts were smooth, but it would be better to not have plastic bits flying about!! Thanks!