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Waterville,Ohio

This is my first year growing maters. I have one that the stem is pulling away from the tomato. Growth has slowed but it's still completely green.
Should I harvest this tomato? Also does this disqualify me for the early tomato weigh off?

7/30/2015 5:17:39 PM

Central NY

Sling that baby up...panty hose , a t-shirt,...hell, duck tape if you absolutely have to...it ain't over til it's over...just keep an eye on it to make sure there is some contact and the mater isn't getting soft anywhere... Pick when 50-75% red...(unless storing for compitish,then pick when start start to show color)... Good luck!

7/30/2015 11:36:03 PM

Central NY

Not sure about the D-q part...

7/30/2015 11:37:21 PM

Allentown, PA

Tyler,

If the tomato itself is not damaged then it would not disqualify you from the weigh off.

Porkchop is correct on giving you some ideas concerning ways to take stress off the stem.

The best way to avoid stem breakage in the future is to place a cut strip from a plastic bag or flexible garden tape under the stem close to where it connects to the tomato then tying the other end to the stake or the main body of the plant.

As the tomato increases in size you would then want to take something flexible like women's hosiery and create a hammock and placing it underneath the tomato and tying it to the stake or the main stem of the plant.

To avoid sun exposure and to slow maturation of the tomato take white colored wash clothes and or dish towels and drape them over the tomato. Tie the end of the cover to the stake or stem of the plant.

7/31/2015 6:09:29 AM

Waterville,Ohio

I should have gave more info sry for that. Tomato and stem are already supported. Where the stem is pulling away from the tomato I can see a hole that goes down in about a inch. It's day 38 and has a cercumfrence of 23 in. gets worse every day.

7/31/2015 12:26:12 PM

Central NY

As long as there is some vine attached to the fruit, it will feed it... You are close to ripening.. Just keep an eye on it...gonna be a Nice one!!

7/31/2015 1:48:18 PM

Albuquerque NM

I am having the same problem with one of mine.
I took the white cloth off and am making sure that the crack
is dry and clean

7/31/2015 2:59:52 PM

Allentown, PA

OK, yes as Porkchop says you are close to ripening. Just look closely for any signs of color flash. Once you see color no matter how slight, it's finished growing.

7/31/2015 3:14:05 PM

Allentown, PA

Cozy, That's about all you can do. To feel better go to Lotta Burger and have something delicious!!

7/31/2015 3:15:01 PM

Albuquerque NM

you know of the lotta burger.
that's awesome.

7/31/2015 4:33:01 PM

Allentown, PA

Cozy,

Oh yes when I go visit family out in Cortez I have to drive down a little ways to get my Lotta Burger!!

7/31/2015 6:36:05 PM

Central NY

Don't forget the green chilies!!!

7/31/2015 8:22:10 PM