Hi catlover_gardener ,

You can prune them if you like but you will lose some production. Though letting it go too long runs a slight disease risk. Its better to pinch it off when branches are small.On the plus side pruning can make the plant produce earlier.

Here is the FAQ.

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/tomato/2000083616002031.html

I mean cutting off the top of the main branch. I know one can pinch out the little suckers that are in between the branches, or in the crotches, but does that inhibit growth of the main branch? I don't want any more growth from the main stem. So can I cut off the main stem's top?

Yes, you can remove the top of an indeterminate, though I'd never do it, simply because it delays production. I'd just plant it deeper. If you take off the top, other branches will take the lead.

Just so everybody else knows, don't take the top out of a determinate. It doesn't continue growing like indeterminates.

As anney said, you "can". Whether you should or not is another debate. It sure isn't standard practice and not something I would do but it is your plant. But can I ask why you don't want it to get taller?

And loping off the top isn't going to keep the plant from getting taller in the long run. The new suckers that sprout just below the cut will just take over and grow taller. That is the nature of indeterminate varieties - they are vines and they grow like vines. If it is short, bushy tomato plants you want then stick with determinate or bush varieties.

But what isn't clear is is this plant in the garden, in a container, or still a seedling inside that you are treating like a houseplant? If it is still a seedling then the reason it is growing so tall is because it isn't getting enough light.

Dave

Sorry, I just looked at the site again.
I wanted to lop it off bz it is in a container on on the patio and it is growing taller and taller and flopping over. It already has a few tomatoes, not enough for my liking, it is a cherry tom and it is caged. +

Anyway, all the indeterminates are in containers and are growing like there is no tomorrow. I know they are supposed to, but space is limited. I didn't think when buying them, just saw the seedlings and they looked so cute and healthy.....

They all get 6-7 hours of sunlight -morning to afternoon.
So what does one do with a viney type of tomato plant. DOes it run up a trellis? Can I wind and rewind up and down stake?

The branches look kinda skinny, the cherry ones.
The beefsteaks are sturdy and thick with flowers and TALL about 5' already.
The patio is det. and is ok, just had an attack of pin-sized worms. Green and black. I squashed them to death!

Another question I forgot to ask.
Is it OK to use TomatoTone and MG for tomatoes at the same time? First, I used TT and was dissatisfied; then, I turned to MG and saw progress. Then it occurred to me that one shouldn't mix ferts. Is this correct?

Miracle Grow tomato plant food is 18-18-21, which is a bit high (IMO) in nitrogen for tomato plants. (Nitrogen, the first number, helps plant foliage to grow. Phosphorous, the second number helps roots and flowers develop--which is good for tomatoes: more flowers mean more fruit. #3 Potassium (Potash) is important for overall plant health.) While MG Tomato food isn't horrible, it is higher in nitrogen, which is why you might have seen increased plant (foliage) growth. Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant food is 24-8-16 and not a good choice for tomatoes. You'll have beautiful greenery and less fruit.

The new version of Tomato Tone (in 4 lb. bags) is 4-7-10, which (again IMO) is a much better balance for tomatoes, since what we're really after are more flowers and enhanced plant health.

As to using both MGTPF and TT, it probably won't hurt unless you over-fertilize. In containers that are watered from the top, there is some nutrient loss anyhow, but you can still overdo the feeding. Since your plants are growing strong, my suggestion would be to discontinue the MG, wait a while and use the TT next time you feed the plants. It has a higher proportion of phosphorous to better promote fruiting.