 Tomatoes are a garden staple. However, they can be full of challenges. There are two primary types of tomatoes, determinate and indeterminate. Determinate tomatoes grow to a certain size and then produce their harvest. Indeterminate will grow as long as conditions remain favorable. Determinate varieties such as patio may not require staking or caging. However, other determinate and almost all indeterminate varieties benefit from support. A tomato cage is the easiest for beginners to use. You'll want to insert the cage early prior to the plant reaching a foot tall. Carefully, you'll want to hold the plant straight and place the cage over the plant. Then insert the legs of the cage into the soil. Lower leaves may be removed to make this step easier. If mature leaves are within reach, they should be carefully placed above the bottom ring. As the tomato grows, you'll want to ensure that the tomato grows upward in the center of the cage. On occasion, the tip of the tomato plant may bend and try to grow sideways. Individuals can make their own cages using cattle fencing and there are other methods such as staking or using string. For additional resources, visit our website at aces.edu or on facebook at alabama smart yards dash alabama extension