Anyone experienced this problem with tomatoes?

Hi folks,
Ive been growing Shirley F1 tomatoes on and off for a number of years-reason being that they are clean, reliable croppers, tasty and fairly disease resistant. Problem is as sooon as a truss develops a bit of weight it is liable to tear from the main stem or bend and sometimes snap.This is not a rare occurrence and happens every time I grow them. This year I've one truss torn off and at least 8 more trusses bent on a total of 8 plants. Ive tied and supported where convenient but it gets to be a pain in the butt! Anyone else had this problem? I've tried to post a few pictures to demonstrate.

 

Hi folks me again,

I ran out of space on my first post. How is that? I've seen other posts with a number of large pictures all on the same page. While I'm here. Is it possible to post 2 pictures side by side and how is it done?. I added a caption on Photobucket but it has not reproduced. Why?
When I use post preview the picture fills the screen (1024 *768 pixels) even though it has been reduced to a minimum on Photobucket.

 

Yep, I used to get the same problem from time to time, I dont now as I really only grow out door ones.
I think its due to a combination of the plants being a little bit leggy and soft, and a good crop of fruit.

 

Hi folks,
Pete did you get the problem with 'Shirley' or was it some other variety?. I've never had this problem with any other tomatoe. The plants seem sturdy enough. I suppose I can toughen them up with extra potash but I dont want to upset the balance of nutrients because this can cause other problems. Light and ventillation is good.

 

Iv'e grown Shirley this year.............first time for me and yes they do flop over,but isn't this the sign of a good crop..........Remember this IS a Superfood

 

Sorry birdbrain, I missed your post.

I cant remember the variety, it might have been Grenadier or even moneymaker.
I dont think its to do with the variety, more the growing conditions, if you grow them outside it never happens. The stems are much shorter and the plants more compact and stronger.
But if you want early ones then you have no choice but to grow in a greenhouse.
Outdoor ones have more flavour, but most seem to have lost theirs to blight this year, so you have to take your chances.