Tomato plants too big?

[tpausch2]

This is my first year growing veggies and it's been a learning experience which would take way too long to get into. I read someone's posting in Plant Talk about how high some of their tomato plants are growing and I'm facing the same challenge. My Brandywine toms just keep growing. They're at least 7ft at this point. The problem is they are getting so heavy that a couple of them are crumpling under the weight. I came home one day this week only to find the whole thing on the ground. It was very sad as I lost a number of branches that had all sorts of little tomatoes on them. I used a 6 ft stake to keep this one up. I have a couple of the circular metal ones on the others, but they're not really high enough. Any words of wisdom on how to stake these indeterminate guys?

Tanya

[kelly_m]

7 Feet?? WOW!! Short of digging a 4X4 post in, your brandywines will have to put up with make-do....that is...double stake them as best as possible.

Also you could pinch off the tops to encourage growth to the tomatoes already on there and prevent further grwoth.

Brandywines are my new fave. Mine are not as tall as yours or Rons, but I am very happy with production...I have used ski poles and broom handles BTW!!!

[tpausch2]

So it won't be pretty but it will be functional. Got it. They do taste awfully good. I think they're worth it. Thanks,

Tanya

[kelly_m]

IMHO...flower gardens are for pretty, veggie for function!!

Yup...I agree, I love the taste of the Brandywine, but still waiting for the first to ripen!