HOME VEGETABLE GARDENING 



TOMATOES STAKING AND PRUNING 



UNDER congenial conditions of soil and climate, 

 tomatoes are rank-growing weeds. After they once 

 take root, their principal aim seems to be to develop an 

 immense plant. Unless this tendency is curbed, there 

 will be mostly vines and many undersized fruits. 



About four weeks after setting out the plants they 

 will have reached a height of two to three feet, with five 

 to eight branches, and will measure about two feet across. 

 Then is the time to get busy and prune. From your 

 lumberyard secure stakes (1x2 inches lumber will do) 

 or use any poles on hand, about six feet tall. Drive these 

 within an inch of base of plants, to a depth of one foot. 



Then reduce the plants to three of the strongest branches. 

 On exceptionally rich soil, four may be allowed to de- 

 velop. Remove all "suckers" that develop at leaf joints 

 and tie branches to stakes. By about August ist the 

 plants will reach top of stakes when the centre of each 

 shoot should be cut out as well. 



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