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Alabama Gardening

Another newbie tomato question

13 years ago

Hi Folks:

I'm a first time gardener who's written here a few times with basic questions. You've been so helpful that I thought I'd try again.

The long and the short of it is that my tomato plants are huge, but they're growing more out than up. The problem that this is causing is that a few branches can't seem to hold their own weight -- it's certainly not all of them, and this doesn't seem to be wilting (that is, they will stay fallen even after they're watered).

At least that's what I think is the reason why they're falling.

So my question is: might this be a sign of another problem? Is there a solution, or do I just leave them or cut them off or something? This looks like the kind of problem that tomato cages were built to solve, but I put in stakes. Should I tie the branches to the stake?

Thanks! Sorry if this is some basic thing that I haven't learned yet.

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Comments (4)

catbird
13 years ago
I have several suggestions. First, be sure you're using a fertilizer designed for tomatoes or any fertilizer that is low in nitrogen content (the first of the three numbers on the fertilizer package). With too much nitrogen you'll get big, beautiful plants and few/no tomatoes.

Do an internet search for "prune tomatoes" and follow several of the leads. You'll find helpful videos and articles about how to maintain your plants so that most of the nutrients go into tomatoes, not unwanted growth.

Using just one stake to support a tomato plant is difficult. The lateral branches will get heavy when the tomatoes develop, so you'll get better support more easily with a wire cage or a trellis of some sort. You can use two or three stakes with a string framework, as long as they are far enough apart to give the plant room to grow out. Then use thick string, strips of panty hose (my favorite), or nursery tape to attach the branches LOOSELY to the trellis. Be careful not to tie them tight enough to cut off the flow of nutrients.

I'm sure others will have more ideas. Hope you get lots of good tomatoes. Enjoy them!

Here is a link that might be useful: Pruning tomatoes
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
I've always relied on a hefty ring of hog wire, about 4 feet high, for my tomato cages. As the plant grows, it's very easy to pull the branches through the wire for support; no ties ever necessary. You can also purchase good cages to serve the same purpose.

I agree with catbird, too....be sure that you aren't overdoing it with the nitrogen. It's a common mistake.
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MiKru
Original Author
13 years ago
These are so helpful. Thank you so much -- I've got some work to do.

I had read about nitrogen before I planted. In fact, I didn't use any fertilizer, but I did use a lot of compost and composted manure in the soil. Is it possible that the nitrogen is too high in that?

Again, thanks (I think you both have helped me out before, so all sorts of appreciation to you)
catbird
13 years ago
I don't think the manure and compost would add much nitrogen. The tomato guru at our Master Gardener greenhouse said to use those with peat moss and good potting soil without fertilizer. You can find fertilizers with low nitrogen and should probably add some every couple of weeks. They do need a little nitrogen, just mostly phosphorus and potassium.

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