There is nothing more delightful than eating a freshly picked tomato that grew in your edible garden. If you have ever tested your green thumb by growing tomatoes you know that they need heat to thrive. But in many northern parts of the country the summers can be short and cooler than ideal for growing tomatoes. I'm sure you are also familiar with having to support tomatoes for optimum growth and production.
The problem is that the common store bought wire tomato cages just don't hold up for more than a year or two before they are bent so out of shape that a tomato plant would hardly recognize them. While there are more sophisticated tomato cage systems out there, they tend to be on the expensive side. Utilizing this tomato tower solves these problems as they can last for many years and are relatively inexpensive to build.
If you are even remotely handy, this project is easy to do. All that is required aside from the supplies are a few tools and about an hour and a half of your time. Here's a list of the materials you will need.
List
- 2"x12", 8' long (1)
- 2"x2", 8' long (2)
- 3" deck screws (~15)
- Rigid tie for the 2"x2" (1)
- 1 1/4" nails (4)
- 1/4"x5" bolt with washer and nut (2)
- ~8' of string or twine
As I mentioned, there are a few tools necessary to successfully complete this project. Before getting started make sure you have these tools or a substitute that will get the job done.
Tools
- Cicular saw
- Electric Drill (with 1/8" and 3/8" bits and a Phillips bit)
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Small crescent wrench (2)
Steps
- Prepare your workspace. Setup sawhorses or clear off your workbench.
- Gather your tools and the supplies.
- From the 2"x12", cut 4, 16" pieces with the circular saw.
- Assemble these 4 pieces into a square box with the 3" deck screws. Drill pilot holes for the deck screws if you think the wood might split. 3 screws are enough for each corner.
- From one 2"x2", cut a 6' or 7' piece depending on how tall you want your tomato tower to be. This will be the support post.
- From the second 2"x2", cut one 24" piece and two 22" pieces.
- Cut the ends of both 22" pieces at a 45° angle.
- Attach the rigid tie to one end of the 6' long 2"x2" with the nails.
- Attach the 24" long 2"x2" (top piece) to the other side of the rigid tie with the nails to make a 90° angle.
- The 22" long 2"x2" pieces will be used for support. Place them on either side of the 2"x2" support post from step 9 and drill a 3/8" hole through the two supports and the top piece.
- Then drill a 3/8" hole through the two side supports and the support post. Attach the side supports to the support post and top piece with the 5" bolts.
- Attach the now assembled support structure to the box with three of the 3" deck screws.
... And you're done!
To take it a step further you can dress up your new tomato tower with the paint or stain of your choice.
Find a nice sunny spot in your edible garden to set this tomato tower up, set in a container with your favorite tomato variety, string it up and enjoy all the benefits of this tomato tower for the rest of the growing season.
Edible Garden Northwest is an informational hub for all things related to growing your own food in an edible garden. Learn which edible plants are fun and easy to grow as well as edible gardening tips and articles. Visit Edible Garden Northwest and get started on your edible garden today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Galen_Williams
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