Tomato Query

Well Sharon, I cannot think of a reason to limit the number of trusses on your cordon tomato plant. I get 6 on mine but could have many, many more if my greenhouse was permanent and heated all winter. I have seen cordons that were 60 yards long! Really. Of course that was a professional grower on hydroponics, but the point it that you are not confined to any specific number of trusses.

Now for the 'fine print':
You will have to tie-in your plant as it grows taller so that it doesn't fall over and break under the weight of your toms that will form. You'll need to attatch them to something for support. Drive a sturdy stick into the ground bear the plants but be careful not to drive it through the roots. Wink

At some point during the fall you can think ahead to when the weather will turn and freezing will begin. You will be able to see that the blossoms and small fruits forming at that time will never have the time to mature and ripen before the frost.
When you have thet calculated, you cut the top out to stop further vertical growth and blossom development. You remove any blossoms and small fruits still on your plant. Then all the sun, water and tomato food can be dedicated solely to the maturing of the remaining fruits.

Don't forget to remove some foilage from time to time so that more food and "energy" will go to your fruits.

I just want to say that your tomato patch looks ideal. You must be well chuffed.
Good luck.

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Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html

Wrapping the twine around your tomato plant and letting it grow upwards is a very good technique that I use myself some years...some say that is the best.
The reason that I use a stake is to keep them from swaying around too much in the wind. Since you have already started using this method, maybe you don't need to change...or stake every other plant to hedge your bet.

To be honest, if I had been alert enough to notice that the tom stems were entwined in the baling twine, I probably wouldn't have posted. heh heh heh Laughing

When I look at your fotos now (knowing that they are on the twine), I can see the twine so easily. Embarassed

As for the truss thing--I normally don't go against local "rules of thumb" because they often exist for a reason; however, this time I would just say, go for the maximal harvest. Smile

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Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html