As you finish up your tomato harvest, its time to start thinking about garden chores like cleaning your tomato cages helps prevent disease, rust, and future headaches. Burpee’s Pro Series Cage and XL Pro Series Cage are built to last season after season. But like all hardworking garden tools, even the best cages benefit from good cleaning and proper storage.
1. Shake Off Dirt and Debris
Start by removing any dried plant material or soil. A stiff brush works great here, especially around joints. This step makes scrubbing and sanitizing more effective later.
2. Soak in Cleaning Solution
Sanitizing your tomato cage helps remove lingering bacteria, mildew, and disease that could impact next season’s plants. Use one of these garden tool cleaning solutions to get the job done:
- Dish soap: A generous squirt of grease-cutting dish soap in a bucket of warm water
- Vinegar solution: Equal parts white vinegar and water
- Bleach solution: 1 part bleach to 9 parts water
If you’re using vinegar or bleach, wear gloves to protect your skin—and stick to old clothes in case of splashes. Use a bucket, garden tub, or spray bottle to apply. Let the cage soak or sit for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing.
3.Scrub it Clean
Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove any remaining residue. Focus on weld points, corners, and areas where moisture collects, those spots are prime real estate for rust and disease.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Hose down your cage to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. A clean rinse helps prevent corrosion and makes your cage safe for future plants.
5. Dry in the Sun
Lay your tomato cage out in full sun until it’s completely dry. Burpee’s cages are powder coated and galvanized to prevent rust, but making sure they’re dry before storing them will extend their life.
6. Store for the Off-Season
Good garden cage maintenance means storing clean, dry cages in a sheltered area like a garage or shed. Our Pro and XL Pro cages fold flat, making it easy to store and protect them from the elements.
Built to Last: Burpee’s Pro Series Tomato Support
Our Pro Series and XL Pro Series cages are made of powder-coated steel for rust resistance and long-term durability. With proper care, they’ll support your tomatoes season after season and clean up beautifully when it’s time to put the garden to bed for the winter.
Next Up: Once your tomato cages are clean and stored, it's the perfect time to plan for next season. Check out our Tomato Growing Guide for expert advice on everything from seed starting to harvest and browse all of Burpee’s tomato seed varieties to find your next favorite.
Quick FAQ
Q: Why should I clean my tomato cage?
A: It helps prevent disease, supports rust prevention, and keeps your garden gear in top shape for next year.
Q: Do I need to clean my cages if I didn’t have any disease this year?
A: Yes! Even without visible disease, dirt and plant residue can carry bacteria or fungal spores. A quick clean now helps protect next season’s plants.
Q: When’s the best time to clean my cages?
A: As part of your end-of-season garden maintenance, after your final harvest, before storing.
Q: Can I leave my tomato cages outside over winter?
A: It’s best to store them in a dry, covered area to prevent rust and weather damage. All of Burpee’s cages and plant supports fold flat for easy storage in a shed or garage.
Q: How do I clean other plant supports and flower pots?
A: The same steps work well for cleaning trellises, a-frames, pea and cucumber fences. You can also use these methods to clean ceramic, plastic, or metal flower pots