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New Castle, Pa.

Yesterday I found myself involved in a discussion about tomato plants that grew higher than their stakes. I commented that I duct tape stakes together if I have to for extra length. At the other end of the bar, I noticed that the cute young barmaid was giving me a very funny look. She then asked,"did I hear you right? you duct tape steaks together? Do you grill them then or what"?

Don't ask me what color her hair was.

7/29/2009 10:31:14 AM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

LMAO How funny.

7/29/2009 2:37:22 PM

Colorado Springs, CO

Just how tall is that stake ? Considering the prevailing cool-and-wet conditions that have appeared for far too many days when compared to recent summers.....maybe you should simply let one more blossom branch get established right beyond (above)the top of that stake and then cut OFF the main vine to cease all further vertical growth !

Let the remaining days of the season focus all efforts to ripening the fruit that is there now ! I have serious threats to the hoped-for volume of tomatoes from my 23 plants unless we get some serious HEAT and reduced cloud cover blocking the sun as these weeks continue. Somewhat consistent soil warmth is very critical now to keep the root sytems activated.

I may have to take some dire measures soon to top-off a number of my plants so that existing fruit can get the plants' forces that they need.

7/29/2009 11:42:37 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

Good point, But I like to wait a little longer to do that. but this yr I have nice branches and fewer tomatoes.

My volunteer tomatoes are nice as well.

7/30/2009 9:34:44 AM

New Castle, Pa.

My stakes are about four and a half feet high.The plants just a little higher. I'm in the contemplation stage of deciding to get out the duct tape or top off. Right now its way to wet to do anything but stand on the sidelines and wave at my plants.

I have about 40 plants in, this is usually what I need for my yearly canning. Between the rain and the cold I wish I'd planted more.

Its still fun but not as much as usual.

7/31/2009 10:50:23 AM