Single Stem method help

ralitaco 4/11/2010, 8:03 pm

I am brand new to not only SFG, but gardening, too.

On p. 157 of the ANSFG book, Mel talks about "the single stem method" for tomatoes.
Can you clarify just what I am breaking off? I don't want to kill the plant.
Do I want to break off the growth to the right and left?
Do I do it now?

Single Stem method help 04-11-13

Also, p. 162 deals w/ pruning cukes, melons, etc.
I think I may have overplanted for a 4' vertical frame.
In one box I have 1 sq - 4 seeds, Butter Beans; 1 sq - 1 plant, Tomato (Big Boy); 1 sq - 1 plant, Italian Zucchini and 1 sq - 2 plants cukes.
I am afraid that they are all going to spread into each other.
Should I make an L shaped frame or even a U-shaped one?
Should I move some of the plants?
Should I prune the zucchinin now?

Single Stem method help 04-11-15

Thanks,
Jim

**camprn** 4/11/2010, 8:31 pm

Here is an article, with a link to video, on how to prune tomato plants. http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/pruning-tomatoes.aspx
You will want to wait a while yet. Here is a photo of my friend Chris with some of his pruned tomatoes on South Valley Farm, Putney, VT
]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30077075&id=1422440737]

**timwardell** 4/11/2010, 9:49 pm

Jim,
It sounds like your trellis will be full indeed! Is your zucchini a bush type or vining type? Either way DO NOT prune it now. It's still little more than a seedling.
As for your tomato, looking at your photo you have the main stem and two large side branches. Notice the small sprig growing in the corner of the main stem and the left side branch? That's the shoot that you want to remove.

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Single Stem method help

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