23 Plants To Grow In Tomato Cages Besides Tomatoes

Tomato cages aren’t just for tomatoes—they’re secret weapons for gardening success with dozens of other plants. You’ve probably walked past these versatile supports at the garden center without realizing their full potential. From climbing cucumbers that save precious ground space to fragrant Chilean jasmine that transforms a utilitarian cage into a flowering column, these simple wire structures can revolutionize your garden. What other surprising plants might thrive with this unexpected support system?

Cucumbers: Vertical Vining Made Easy

While tomato cages are perfect for supporting tomato plants, they’re also an excellent solution for growing cucumbers.

These versatile structures give cucumber vines the vertical support they crave, keeping fruits clean and reducing disease.

To start, simply place a cage over young cucumber seedlings. As they grow, gently train the vines through the openings.

You’ll find harvesting much easier when fruits hang at eye level rather than hiding in ground foliage.

For best results, choose compact or semi-bush cucumber varieties like ‘Spacemaster’ or ‘Bush Champion.’

These won’t overwhelm your cage with excessive growth while still delivering a satisfying harvest.

Sugar Snap Peas: Perfect Spring Climbers

Sugar snap peas represent another perfect candidate for your tomato cages when cucumber season ends. These spring climbers thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early growing seasons when your tomato cages aren’t yet occupied by summer crops.

• They’ll climb 6-8 feet tall if given proper support, wrapping their tendrils naturally around cage wires.
• You’ll enjoy continuous harvesting – the more you pick, the more they produce.
• Their shallow root systems won’t compete with nearby plants for soil resources.
• They’ll improve your soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting whatever you plant next.

Plant them 1-2 inches apart for maximum yield!

Pole Beans: Productive and Space-Saving

As tomato season winds down, pole beans take center stage as an ideal replacement crop for your tomato cages.

These vertical climbers will happily spiral up the metal supports, producing abundant harvests in minimal ground space. You’ll find pole beans easier to pick than bush varieties, with pods that hang at eye level. Most varieties yield continuously for weeks once they start producing.

Try ‘Kentucky Wonder’ for reliability or ‘Scarlet Runner’ for stunning red flowers that attract pollinators.

Plant 6-8 seeds around each cage, thinning to the strongest 4-5 seedlings. They’ll reach the top in about six weeks!

Eggplants: Support for Heavy Fruits

Beyond tomatoes, eggplants benefit tremendously from the sturdy support of tomato cages. As your eggplants grow, their branches can become heavy with glossy purple fruits that might snap without proper support.

Tomato cages keep the plants upright and improve air circulation, reducing disease risk.

• Place the cage when plants are young, about 8-12 inches tall
• Choose larger, sturdier cages for varieties that produce bigger fruits
• Gently weave growing branches through the cage openings as they develop
• Harvest fruits regularly to prevent excess weight on branches

You’ll notice healthier plants and better-shaped fruits when your eggplants have proper support!

Bell Peppers: Preventing Stem Breakage

Bell peppers frequently benefit from the supportive structure of tomato cages, especially as they grow taller and develop heavy fruits.

Unlike tomatoes, peppers have brittle stems that can snap under the weight of their colorful bounty.

You’ll want to place the cage when your peppers are still young, about 8-12 inches tall.

As the plant grows, gently guide branches through the cage openings. This prevents those heartbreaking moments when you find a productive stem broken after a summer storm!

For best results, choose smaller cages than you’d use for tomatoes.

Your peppers will thank you with an abundant harvest.

Zucchini and Summer Squash: Keeping Fruits Clean

While peppers need support for their brittle stems, zucchini and summer squash have their own unique needs in the garden. Using tomato cages for these sprawling plants keeps their fruits elevated off the soil, preventing rot and pest damage.

You’ll find your squash stays cleaner and healthier when it’s not sitting directly on damp ground.

• Position the cage when plants are young, allowing vines to grow through the openings.
• Train main stems upward through the center for better air circulation.
• Harvest fruits more easily when they’re visible and accessible.
• Reduce disease by keeping leaves drier and fruits off wet soil.

Small Pumpkins and Winter Squash: Compact Growing Solution

Many smaller varieties of pumpkins and winter squash thrive when grown in tomato cages, offering gardeners with limited space a way to grow these traditionally sprawling plants vertically.

Try compact varieties like ‘Jack Be Little’ pumpkins or ‘Honey Bear’ acorn squash, which won’t overload your cage.

Set up your cage before planting, then sow 2-3 seeds directly at the base. As vines grow, gently weave them through the cage.

You’ll need to provide extra support for developing fruits using cloth slings or netting.

The cage not only saves space but also keeps fruits off the ground, reducing rot and pest damage.

Morning Glories: Decorative Climbing Displays

Morning glories transform ordinary tomato cages into spectacular floral towers with their vibrant trumpet-shaped blooms and lush vines.

You’ll love how they create a vertical explosion of color while taking up minimal ground space. Simply plant 4-6 seeds around the cage’s base in late spring, and they’ll quickly climb to create a stunning display.

• Morning glories bloom from summer until frost, providing months of changing colors
• Seeds need a 24-hour water soak before planting to improve germination
• No need for training—they naturally find and wrap around the cage wires
• Choose from varieties like “Heavenly Blue,” “Crimson Rambler,” or multicolored “Flying Saucers”

Sweet Potatoes: Containing Vigorous Vines

Gardeners often overlook sweet potatoes as cage-worthy plants, but these vigorous vines actually thrive in the vertical structure of tomato cages.

You’ll love how the cage keeps those sprawling vines from taking over your garden beds while creating an attractive vertical display.

Simply plant one slip (rooted cutting) near the cage’s base and guide the initial vines through the lower rings. As they grow, the heart-shaped leaves will fill out the cage beautifully.

You’ll enjoy the ornamental value while still harvesting delicious tubers at season’s end – just tip the cage to dig them up!

Peonies: Preventing Flopping Blooms

From underground tubers to magnificent blooms, let’s turn our attention to peonies – those stunning perennial flowers that often need a bit of support.

You’ll find tomato cages perfectly suited for preventing your peony blooms from flopping over after rain.

Simply place the cage over young peony shoots in early spring, allowing stems to grow through the openings. The cage becomes nearly invisible as foliage develops.

• Use the smallest tomato cage that fits your peony’s mature size
• Position the cage before plants reach 6 inches tall
• Paint cages green for better camouflage
• Remove cages after fall cleanup for storage and longer cage life

Black-Eyed Susan Vine: Colorful Cage Coverage

Three spectacular climbing varieties of Black-Eyed Susan vine will transform ordinary tomato cages into towers of vibrant color throughout summer.

The classic ‘Thunbergia alata’ offers traditional orange blooms with dark centers, while ‘Susie’ series provides yellows and whites for a lighter display.

‘African Sunset’ delivers stunning terra-cotta hues.

You’ll find these vines easy to train—simply secure young stems to the cage until they get established. They’ll quickly reach 6-8 feet in ideal conditions.

Plant them after all frost danger passes, in full to partial sun.

Water consistently but don’t overdo it.

They’re perfect for adding vertical interest to containers or beds.

Nasturtiums: Edible Flowers on Display

While climbing vines create towering displays, another plant group offers both beauty and flavor when grown in tomato cages.

Nasturtiums cascade beautifully through the metal supports, creating a waterfall of edible blooms. Their round leaves and bright orange, yellow, and red flowers transform ordinary cages into eye-catching garden features.

• Plant nasturtiums at the base of your cage in spring after frost danger passes
• Water sparingly—they’ll produce more flowers in slightly dry soil
• Harvest both flowers and leaves for salads (they taste peppery like arugula)
• Choose trailing varieties like ‘Jewel Mix’ or ‘Gleam’ for best results

Clematis: Stunning Vertical Garden Feature

When you’re looking for a truly spectacular vertical display, clematis vines transform ordinary tomato cages into stunning towers of color.

These perennial climbers come in countless varieties, offering blooms in purple, pink, white, and blue.

For best results, place your cage in a spot with “head in sun, feet in shade.”

Choose Group 2 or 3 clematis for stronger growth on cages. Their tendrils naturally grab the wire structure as they climb.

Unlike other vines, clematis won’t overwhelm your cage.

They’re perfect partners for roses too—creating that coveted English garden look without the fuss of a trellis.

Just add support and watch them soar!

Strawberries: Elevated Berries Away From Pests

Growing strawberries in tomato cages offers a brilliant solution for berry lovers troubled by ground-dwelling pests and rot.

You’ll enjoy cleaner fruit that’s easier to harvest and less vulnerable to slugs and other crawling invaders. The vertical growth also maximizes your garden space while improving air circulation around plants.

• Place strawberry crowns around the cage perimeter, allowing runners to cascade through or climb the structure
• Layer straw between plants to prevent berries from touching metal
• Water at the base to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues
• Rotate cages each season for better soil health and pest prevention

Melons: Support for Heavy Fruits

Small melons can thrive with the help of tomato cages as their sturdy support system. Varieties like cantaloupe, honeydew, and small watermelons benefit from being lifted off the ground where they’re vulnerable to rot and pests.

You’ll need to secure the vines gently to the cage using soft plant ties or strips of cloth.

As fruits develop, create small hammocks from pantyhose or mesh bags to cradle each melon, attaching them to the cage structure.

This elevated growing method improves air circulation, reduces disease, and makes harvesting easier—you’ll spot ripe melons at eye level!

Moonflowers: Night-Blooming Beauty

Moonflowers transform ordinary tomato cages into magical nighttime displays with their dramatic white blooms that unfurl as the sun sets.

These fast-growing vines reach 10-15 feet in a season, quickly covering your cage with heart-shaped foliage. You’ll enjoy their sweet vanilla fragrance that intensifies after dark, attracting fascinating night pollinators like sphinx moths to your garden.

• Plant seeds directly after last frost, soaking them overnight for better germination
• Train young vines through cage openings for even coverage
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root systems
• Position cages where you’ll enjoy evening viewing, perhaps near a patio or deck

Chayote: Tropical Climbing Vegetable

While moonflowers dazzle after dark, chayote offers a practical tropical vegetable for your tomato cages during daylight hours. This pear-shaped squash produces vines that’ll happily climb your cage structure.

Native to Mexico, chayote thrives in warm climates and grows best in USDA zones 8-11. You’ll need just one fruit to start – plant it on its side with the narrow end slightly exposed.

Provide consistent moisture and watch for the first shoots in 2-4 weeks.

The entire plant is edible – from the tender shoots to the mild-flavored fruit that resembles a cross between cucumber and apple.

Hyacinth Bean: Ornamental and Edible Climber

Adding vivid color to your garden space, hyacinth beans transform ordinary tomato cages into spectacular vertical displays. These vigorous climbers produce stunning purple stems, vibrant pink-purple flowers, and deep purple seed pods that’ll make your garden pop.

• Plant seeds directly after frost danger passes, spacing them 1-2 inches from cage supports.
• Water consistently but allow soil to dry between waterings.
• Harvest young pods for cooking (must be thoroughly boiled to remove toxins).
• Trim back growth if vines become too heavy for cage stability.

While primarily grown for ornamental purposes, you’ll appreciate their ability to fix nitrogen in soil, improving your garden’s health naturally.

Bitter Melon: Exotic Vertical Growing Option

Bitter melon brings exotic flair to any tomato cage structure in your garden. This unusual climbing vegetable (Momordica charantia) thrives when given vertical support, making tomato cages perfect for its sprawling vines.

You’ll recognize this Asian specialty by its warty, cucumber-like appearance and unique bitter flavor that’s prized in many cuisines.

Plant seeds after soil warms to 65°F and provide consistent moisture.

As the vines climb, they’ll produce yellow flowers followed by dangling green fruits that turn orange when ripe.

Harvest while green for cooking—the bitterness mellows beautifully when properly prepared.

Chilean Jasmine: Fragrant Cage Covering

Chilean jasmine transforms tomato cages into fragrant towers of beauty that’ll enchant your garden space.

This climbing vine (Mandevilla laxa) thrives when given support to twist around. You’ll love its pure white flowers that release an intoxicating scent, especially in evening hours when you’re relaxing outdoors.

• Prefers full morning sun with afternoon shade in hotter regions
• Needs well-draining soil and moderate watering
• Blooms from mid-summer through fall with proper care
• Can overwinter indoors in zones below USDA 9

Simply train young vines to follow the cage structure, and you’ll soon have a stunning floral display.

Sweet Peas: Aromatic Spring Climbers

Sweet peas create a cloud of perfumed beauty when grown on tomato cages, making them perfect spring companions in any garden.

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date, or sow directly when soil warms. They’ll happily climb the cage structure as they reach for sunlight.

You’ll want to deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers. Unlike edible peas, these are purely ornamental—their seeds are toxic, so don’t confuse them with their edible cousins!

The pastel blooms in lavender, pink, and white will transform ordinary tomato cages into stunning garden focal points.

Malabar Spinach: Heat-Loving Edible Vine

While sweet peas bring spring charm, Malabar spinach offers summer abundance when temperatures climb too high for traditional leafy greens.

This fast-growing, heat-loving vine produces thick, glossy leaves with a mild flavor that’s perfect in stir-fries and salads.

Simply place a tomato cage in fertile soil and watch this tropical climber thrive in the hottest months when other greens have bolted.

• Thrives in temperatures between 80-90°F when lettuce and spinach fail
• Contains more vitamins A and C than regular spinach
• Grows quickly, providing continuous harvests with regular picking
• Produces pretty pink or white stems that add visual interest to your garden

Passion Flower: Dramatic Flowering Support

The passion flower vine transforms an ordinary tomato cage into a stunning display of exotic blooms that will leave your neighbors asking for gardening tips.

These vigorous climbers quickly wrap their tendrils around the cage structure, creating a living sculpture in your garden.

You’ll enjoy not just the incredible star-shaped flowers but also the sweet fruit some varieties produce.

Plant in well-draining soil and full to partial sun. Water regularly during establishment, then moderately thereafter.

For best flowering, add a low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly during growing season.

Prune in early spring to maintain shape and encourage blooming.

Conclusion

You’ve just discovered twenty-three alternatives to growing tomatoes in those cages, and ironically, you’ll never look at a tomato cage the same way again. While they’re designed for one purpose, they’re secretly versatile garden heroes. Your neighbors might think you’ve lost your gardening mind when they see cucumbers climbing where tomatoes should be, but you’ll be laughing all the way to your diverse, space-efficient harvest.