HOME VEGETABLE GARDENING 
TOMATOES— STAKING AND PRUNING 
U NDER 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 1st the 
plants will reach top of stakes when the centre of each 
shoot should be cut out as well. 
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