rjr_20
Newly Registered
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:57 pm
Location: NJ

New to tomatoes

I am brand new to gardening and I'm hoping I've done everything right so far.

I am just wondering if it is necessary to prune tomatoes or should I just let them grow. I was also wondering when will they start producing fruit. I planted them at the end of March and then transplanted them outside at the end of April beginning of May.

Another thing in the sticky it says to tie them with nylon? I used the staking method and used like a burlap string; would this suffice?

Any other feedback is greatly appreciated!

PaulF
Greener Thumb
Posts: 910
Joined: Tue Nov 09, 2010 5:34 pm
Location: Brownville, Ne

Welcome to the most addictive gardening there is. While I have been growing strictly heirlooms/open pollinated tomatoes, your questions are valid no matter the varieties.

1. To prune or not is one of those questions seemingly split down the middle. I do not prune other than to keep the bottom branches from touching the soil (in my case mulch). All soil has the potential to spread disease to the plants. As for the rest of the plant, I do not prune.

2. As for fruit, it depends a bit on the variety, the soil, the temperatures, the rainfall and watering. Mostly it depends on the varietal "days to maturity" range. Early season varieties will produce in 50-65 days from transplanting. Mid-season later and late season tomatoes even later. Most of what I grow are mid to late season varieties. I plant out about the same time as you and most of my tomatoes have small green fruits. Historically there will be ripe fruit the end of July or the first of August in my zone 5/6 garden.

3. Tie tomatoes up with any soft material. Tomatoes bruise very easily so stay away from rough material. These bruises and cuts to the stems are a perfect place for disease problems caused by stress to the plant. I would not use burlap twine. I use a 1/2 inch wide stretchy plastic tie that comes in a roll like tape. Cloth strips also do well.

Sorry this is so long but like I said, I like to share my addiction. Good luck.

dustyrivergardens
Green Thumb
Posts: 617
Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 8:32 am
Location: Holbrook Az. zone 5b

I tie my tomatoes up with old panty hose that I cut in long strips ....

rjr_20
Newly Registered
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:57 pm
Location: NJ

I see, I'll have to find an alternative to my string then. Thanks for the help!



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