Every year, I notice numerous discarded old galvanized metal tomato cages and wonder if there is a way to repurpose them rather than sending them to the landfill.
During a recent visit to a community garden, I came across a wonderfully creative method of repurposing and reusing an old, galvanized tomato cage.
Named "gambian," the structure is referred to as "big cage" in Italian and is typically filled with stone gravel. In our situation, we repurpose old metal tomato cages to create pedestal stands, taking advantage of the various sizes and widths available.
Gabion pedestals like these can enhance the appeal of various garden settings.
To create a gabion pedestal using a tomato cage for your garden, you need to follow a series of steps. Gabions are wire mesh containers filled with stones or other materials that are frequently utilized in construction and landscaping endeavors.
Transforming a tomato cage allows you to craft a miniature Gambian pedestal, bringing a captivating touch to your garden layout.
Here is a detailed guide on how to build a gabion pedestal from a tomato cage:
Step 1: Gather the Materials
- Tomato cage: Choose a sturdy tomato cage made of galvanized steel or heavy-duty wire mesh.
- Wire cutters: You will need wire cutters to modify the tomato cage.
- Wire ties or hog rings: These will be
used to secure the modified tomato.
cage.
- Landscape fabric: Get landscape fabric
to line the inside of the gabion pedestal,
- Gravel or small stones: Select stones
or gravel that fit through the mesh of the tomato cage blinks.
Step 2: Modify the Tomato Cage
- Start by removing any plastic coating or attachments from the tomato cage using wire cutters.
- Cut off the pointed ends of the tomato cage legs, leaving approximately 6 inches of straight wire.
- Cut off the top ring of the tomato cage, leaving only the vertical wires.
Step 3: Prepare the Base
- Choose a suitable location in your garden for the gabion pedestal.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the base of the tomato cage to ensure stability.
- Level the ground and remove any rocks or debris.
Step 4: Line the Inside
- Cut a landscape fabric to fit inside the modified tomato cage.
- Line the inside of the cage with landscape fabric, ensuring it covers all sides and overlaps at least 6 inches at the top.
Step 5: Fill with Stones
- Fill the lined tomato cage with gravel or small stones, ensuring they are tightly packed.
- Use a tamper or the back of a shovel to compact the stones as you fill the cage.
- Continue filling until the gabion pedestal is at your desired height, leaving enough space at the top for finishing.
Step 6: Secure the Top
- Fold the excess landscape fabric over the top of the filled tomato cage.
- Use wire ties or hog rings to secure the fabric and hold the stones in place
Step 7: Finishing Touches
- Trim any excess landscape fabric from the top of the gabion pedestal.
- Use wire cutters to trim any protruding wires from the tomato cage.
- If desired, paint or seal the gabion pedestal to match your garden's aesthetic.
Following these steps, you can create a unique and visually appealing gabion pedestal using a repurposed tomato cage. Consider safety precautions while working with wire cutters and ensure the Gabion pedestal is stable before placing any objects on top.
