Tomato Growing 2024

Black Russian finally starting to put on a bit of size.

 

Not quite sure what I've done this year....all my tomato plants (growing indoors) are so lush! Last year was rubbish, could hardly get the damn things to grow at all, this year I'm removing bottom leaves to allow more air flow from my Goldkrone and Happy Days before the bottom truss has completely set, and the bush jobbies (Tiny Tim (not-so-tiny) and Orangello) are going bonkers! Virtually having to fight my way into the greenhouse! Only difference was going back to peat-based compost instead of the peat-free....maybe I was a bit too liberal with the composted manure I added.....

 

Balc's Cherry. Outside in all weathers, being dead 'ard. Second pic is a side-shoot from the same plant, growing like a weed.

 

Does anyone know how is Balc? Missing the balcony full of flowers.

 

Not seen him around for a while. Hope he's okay.

 

I think he left the forum.

 

That's a shame.

 

I have the same problem every year ,my Tomato branches when laden with fruit droop and bend ,I have to tie them up with string ,it works but a bit of a faff.
I grow mainly Shirley and suspect it is common.
Any suggestions?

 

They are indeterminate/cordon tomatoes so they need strong supports for tying in as they grow, otherwise the trusses will bend and break.

 

I've been using ribbon the past few years to tie the truss to the leaf or stem above. Although for less than 20p a reusable hook those look good

Got quite a few green tomatoes developing now, the outdoor rote murmel looks to be doing well

 

Oh those are clever! Must get some!

 

Playing "Guess the Tomato" in the conservatory. I think it's going to be a heart.