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These light-up tomato cage ghosts are such a fun, easy and affordable Halloween DIY! I made mine using basic supplies from the garden and craft sections, and I love how they glow once the sun goes down.

They’re perfect for a front porch, entryway or covered patio—and because you can choose different tomato cage sizes and accessories, it’s easy to give each ghost its own personality.

Supplies Needed

These amounts are for one tomato cage ghost:

• One tomato cage—I used a 42-inch cage
• One 8-inch foam ball—mine was labeled size #8 *
• Warm White LED twinkle lights or white Christmas lights
• One 84-inch round white plastic tablecloth
• One large rectangular white plastic tablecloth
• Black adhesive-backed felt
• Zip ties, rubber band, floral wire or strong tape
• Scissors
• Marker or chalk for tracing the face
• Optional: pool noodle for arms
• Optional: low-temperature glue gun or strong craft glue
• Optional: witch hat, bow, treat bucket, or other Halloween accessories

You can usually find tomato cages in the garden section of home-improvement and big-box stores. Check your local craft or dollar store for the tablecloths, felt and other supplies.

*You can use a variety of items to create the round “head” portion… a foam head, a half round foam ball, an upside down trick or treat bucket– there are many different items you can use.

How to Make a Tomato Cage Ghost

Step 1: Turn the tomato cage upside down

Place the tomato cage upside down so the widest circular section rests on the floor and the metal stakes point upward.

Carefully gather the stakes together and bend them inward toward the center. Secure them with zip ties, , rubber band, floral wire or strong tape to create a stable place for the ghost’s head.

Step 2: Add the foam-ball head

Press the foam ball gently onto the gathered stakes.

Make sure the sharp ends are completely covered and cannot poke through the foam or fabric. If necessary, wrap the ends with tape before adding the ball.

Step 3: Add arms if desired

To give your ghost the appearance of arms, add a pool noodle horizontally through the upper portion of the tomato cage.

Bend or position the noodle until you like the shape, and secure it to the cage with zip ties. The ends will create raised arms underneath the tablecloths.

This step is completely optional—the ghosts are still adorable without arms!

Step 4: Wrap the cage with lights

Wrap warm white LED lights loosely around the tomato cage, spacing them evenly from top to bottom.

Position the battery pack or plug where you can reach it easily after the ghost is covered. If you plan to display the ghost outside, use lights specifically rated for outdoor use and protect the battery pack or electrical connection from moisture.

Step 5: Drape the tablecloths

Drape the rectangular and round plastic tablecloths over the foam ball and tomato cage. Adjust and layer them until the cage is completely covered and the fabric hangs evenly around the bottom.

My plastic tablecloths were fairly thin, so I doubled them to make the ghost less transparent and to add more fullness and length. I stapled the sides of the rectangle one to “close the sides” before adding the round one on top.

I chose plastic tablecloths because I planned to use my ghosts outside. If you’re displaying them indoors, you could use an old white sheet or lightweight white fabric instead.

Trim any areas that are excessively long, but leave enough material at the bottom to create a soft, flowing appearance.

Step 6: Make the ghost’s face

Draw two oval eyes and a round or oval mouth on the paper backing of the adhesive felt, then cut out the shapes.

Remove the backing and press the felt pieces firmly onto the front of the tablecloth.

If you’re using regular felt, attach the pieces with a small amount of low-temperature hot glue or strong craft glue. Avoid high-temperature glue near thin plastic or foam.

Step 7: Add accessories

Leave your ghost simple and classic, or give it a little personality with:

• A witch hat
• A bow
• A trick or treat bucket
• A small sign
• Fabric patches
• A Halloween garland
• Different face shapes
• Pool-noodle arms in different positions

You can also use smaller or larger tomato cages to create a family of ghosts in varying heights.

Step 8: Turn on the lights

Position your ghost where you want to display it, turn on the lights and enjoy the glow!

If you’re placing the ghost outside, secure or weigh down the cage so it cannot tip over or blow away. A small paver or sandbag hidden inside the bottom of the cage can provide extra stability.

Important Lighting and Safety Tips

Only use cool-to-the-touch LED lights with this project. Traditional lights that become warm should not be used underneath plastic tablecloths.

Keep the ghosts away from candles, fire pits, heaters and all other open flames or heat sources.

For outdoor display:

• Choose lights rated for outdoor use.
• Keep battery packs and electrical connections protected from rain.
• Secure the cage against wind. You can use landscape staples or rocks along the bottom edge to hold the cage in place.
• Inspect the plastic and wiring regularly.
• Bring the ghosts inside during severe weather.

Safety first—we don’t want melted plastic or a fire hazard.

Tomato Cage Ghost Variations

One of the best things about this project is how easily you can make it your own.

Try using different-sized tomato cages to create a group of ghosts. Add pool-noodle arms to some and leave others without arms. You could also add witch hats, bows or different facial expressions.

For an indoor version, replace the plastic tablecloths with white sheets, gauze or lightweight fabric for a softer appearance.

How to Store Tomato Cage Ghosts

Remove the tablecloths, felt faces, lights and foam balls before storing the cages. Fold the tablecloths loosely and store the smaller pieces together in a labeled container.

The tomato cages can be stacked to save space, making this DIY much easier to store than many large Halloween decorations.

An Easy Halloween Decoration to Use Year After Year

These tomato cage ghosts prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to create fun Halloween decorations. With a tomato cage, a few inexpensive supplies and some twinkle lights, you can make glowing ghosts that look adorable during the day and even better at night.

Make a single ghost for your entryway or create a whole group for your front porch. Change the sizes, faces and accessories to make each one your own!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Come back soon for more easy recipes, cozy home inspiration, simple projects, and great ideas for making the most of your time.