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Tomato plants are growing like crazy--how do I manage them!!!??? #751129

Asked May 20, 2021, 3:58 PM EDT

I planted two tomato plant seedlings in late March. I left town for 10 days and with all the rain, they've become monsters! They were in an 6 foot cage, but they've grown well beyond it vertically and horizontally. I don't recall the variety, but they are indeterminate. How far back shall I trim them, so that they don't overtake all the surrounding plants (Kale and squash). Relatedly, the eggplant on the right is starting to grow over the peppers. How do I trim that back? Thanks!!

Harris County Texas

Expert Response

The sucker shoots can be removed to lighten the load on the plant. Here is a link to a fact sheet on tomatoes. https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/files/2013/09/EHT-043.pdf

Thanks for the question.

Paul Winski Replied May 20, 2021, 4:04 PM EDT
So I have the main shoot.  Once I prune, how many suckers should I leave?

Thanks.

On May 20, 2021, at 3:04 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2021, 4:25 PM EDT

Can remove them all if you want since the canopy of the main plant will support the growth of the plant.

Thanks

Paul Winski Replied May 20, 2021, 4:45 PM EDT

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