5 Tomato Grow Mistakes To Avoid

Tomatoes ARE gardening in my opinion. They're the plant we most often think of when we think of a lush, beautiful garden. So many varieties, so many options...but also some mistakes can be made:
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Wrong Type and Variety
2:25 - Wrong Support Method
4:49 - Improper Watering Technique
6:50 - Pruning Fails
8:48 - Fertilizing Errors
10:27 - Bonus Tip
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[@epicgardening]

Lemme know your fav variety below! Always looking for new ones to try #addict

[@juliahoffman3966]

I love love love roma tomatoes! Small and cute, and taste amazing!

[@sharonclarke596]

I tried a new variety this year called, Black Prince. So far, I really like it. It's held up well against soil borne diseases, it produced fairly early in my season (zone 7b), has loads of fruit, and is very tasty! 😋😋 Thanks for another great video, Kevin!

[@andread8169]

Dixie golden giant ❤🍅❤🍅 they really are huge! They take a good amount of time to set and ripen because of the size. I also grow smaller prolific varieties (money maker and stupis) to enjoy while I wait.

[@Pelusa89]

I personally love the beefsteak tomatoes because they make such good sauce and also do nicely diced in salads. My partner on the other hand prefers cherry tomatoes because they are a wonderful easy snack to grab and eat straight out of the fridge in summer. We are hoping to grow the latter in hanging bottle planters once we have our own place! I am not a fan of having to take care of climbing/support-needy plants... Have you grown hanging ones before?

[@cynbdavis4243]

Beefsteak 😋. Makes the most delicious sandwich.

[@BeastMacin11]

Nothing screams “urban gardening” like some garden education with cars screeching in the background. So real 😙👌

[@PamsPrettyPlants]

Hahaha this is my life 😂

[@supersosiska]

So true! It reminds me of those home cooks youtube channels who don't have a sofisticated kitchen. And thus making you feel that can actually achieve what they're making. Epic gardening is the same for me from the gardening prospective.

[@shawtop]

Haha, real life. No stage or actors.

[@JamieRogers95]

Im calling him out, its all staged and the car burnout was added in during the edit. Hahaha jk :)

[@shawtop]

@@JamieRogers95 😂😂👍🏻👌🏻

[@corneliastaub5824]

Tipp: I worked in tomato production and what we used to do is cut the lower leaves on a regular basis. That means you only leave up to 4 leaves until the next fruit. Once you harvest that fruit (because the lowest hangin one always ripen first) again you remove the leaves so that from the next fruit to the bottom there remain 4 leaves. This way the tomato ripens faster which is particularly important towards the end of the season.

[@liveisamelody9413]

Another tip: make sure the PH-Value of the soil fits the need of the plant youre trying to grow. A low PH-value means its more acidic => minarals get broken down into smaller parts by the soil. if the PH_value is height the soil becomes alkaline meaning that minerals get broken down less. in some cases you do everything right and youre stil wondering why the plant wont grow like it should, then know this could be a big factor. every plant has different roots that have a different rootskin (think of a fishing net like surface) if the minerals are to big(alkaline) they cant be absorbed by the plant. on the other hand if the soil is to "acidic" it may harm the plants roots. a rule of thunb is to check the origin of the plant itself: if it usually grows in regions with rocks,stones and/or sand its propably not happy with acidic soil. if it grows in mediteranian areas it propably cant handle soil with rocks, stones and/or sand.

[@Erizedd]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@jjbud3124]

Ah, years ago I had a garden and I had 12 "cages" we made with livestock fencing. They were 6 feet tall. We also had horses and lots of leaves. Each fall we would fill the garden with leaves and manure and dig it in. I ordered a few varieties of tomato seeds, started the plants inside, and planted them in the garden when it was the right time after turning and loosening the soil, and then just watched the plants grow. By the end of the season, the plants had grown out of the tops of their cages and hung over the top and reached the ground. We never did another thing to the plants, except to water when we didn't get enough rain. I supplied our entire neighborhood with tomatoes every year. They were soooo good.

[@kansasgardener5844]

Sounds like you did everything perfect and sharing your crop is just the icing on the cake!

[@JohnSmith-fq7hj]

Same some years I have crazy huge tomato plants and have to Jerry rig a line to tie things off so they don't fall over I usually go door to door tryin to give away the extras this year I'm goin to start canning lol

[@johnhegarty1761]

A simple affordable tomato cage is to use re-inforcing wire for concrete to make your cagesout of.

[@sandrabenenhaley5851]

Growing my in an old cattle feed trough. And having fun with it. Next year barrels cut in half.

[@dsddala467]

Good soil health, as you built makes all the difference. I bet those tomatoes were awesome!

[@thimovijfschaft3271]

I live in the Netherlands and I just tied my tomatoes to my Fence. Works perfectly well. The plant is absolutely huge and produces a lot of tomatoes that taste good. The fence is really shitty, but that actually helps pollinating the plants because the entire fence shakes when it is already a little windy.

[@basilwilson2796]

I am in eastern Canada. I used tall wooden stakes anchored to my neighbors fence. He approved.

[@only_james]

Gaan ze niet dood in de winter dan? Of blijven ze in leven en geven ze weer nieuwe tomaten?

[@thimovijfschaft3271]

@@only_james ja ze gaan dood in de winter. Maar dan groei je gewoon weer nieuwe tomaten in het volgende jaar.

[@cazstreet5893]

Fantastic to hear... We're about to do the same thing... We have a wire fence...so hopefully it'll work

[@Ostwaldify]

Here’s a tip for starting from SEED. When you pick a particularly perfect tomato, save some of the seeds onto a paper towel. Space them out evenly on the towel and allow to dry. You’ve just created a “seed-strip” that can be stored for use later. When ready to plant, place the seed-strip onto your soil. Next, cover with another, very thin layer of soil, and water. As the seeds germinate and grow, the towel disintegrates. You know what to do next!

[@ByeCat]

Thank you for this wonderful tip!

[@pomme800]

I started my campari tomatoes with pieces of a fresh campari tomato with seeds without drying them .Germinated them in a sunny window with saran wrap on top of the container.worked like magic

[@rhondavanmeter5015]

I will be trying that this year. Newer to gardening so I have lots to learn. I also will be trying the method of picking up tiny seeds on the end of a wet bamboo skew tip and placing it on a paper towel to spread them out evenly. Do you know if this works? I may not have the patience for this, but it might be a nice winter project when I am dreaming of being in the garden.

[@flaviacotton5029]

Thanks,I'm definately going to try this.

[@jandildo]

You can also just scrub the seeds around in a sieve to get the goo off and they will germinate like crazy, never really needed to ferment or anything

[@lastblow4563]

Over-watered a foot and a half tall tomato plant couple of weeks ago. The roots were rotting and the plant was loosing its lower leaves. Saved it by half burying it in a bigger pot with dry soil. Started watering again after a few days. Growing, blooming and fruiting now, happy and proud!

[@mlyl7682]

Wow! Wonderful save!

[@cherinelson3436]

Good job. Good info.

[@mikeries8549]

You can bury a tomato plant and it roots. They flop on the ground and take root. You could tie a panty hose stuffed with dirt around a branch and it will take root. Crazy but tomato plants can "run".

[@ReyaBachmann]

Same !!

[@valamaas]

Overwater is lack of oxygen to the roots. Perlite in you soil mix can solve that

[@boonedog3518]

A great speaking voice! A very informative video. You could be a television news announcer, or a radio guy! You are also the genuine article. You have passion and you care. Great job!

[@ericmurphy447]

I did an interesting experiment with my tomatoes last season. I had some I watered regularly, but the other group, once they were grown enough, I just let them use the rain cycle. Those tomatoes actually turned out better

[@roberjohnsmith]

I don't get enough rain water where I'm from, but maybe if I try watering one less frequently and compare it to the tomato plant with scheduled watering. I'll let you know in 3 months lol

[@OsirusHandle]

​@@roberjohnsmithhowd it go

[@karolina285]

My second year growing tomatoes. This year straight from the seed. I can't even say how proud and happy I am watching them grow.

[@terenica]

I grew mine from seeds too, from the ones i eat and bought at the supermarket

[@JohnDoe-xq6lw]

Great job! One of the funnest things about gardening and learning to be a bit more responsible with food waste through compost is the amount of times I get "Bonus Tomatoes" in my garden beds. They will grow straight out of the compost when I top my beds before each season and I always get 5-10 "Bonus Tomatoes", and they are almost always my biggest producers.

[@inspired916]

Congrats! I know that pride and it’s worth it!

[@bearlyawake3904]

@@JohnDoe-xq6lw I love that too 👍

[@denmarkdiscord1561]

Can someone help me? I have plant like many tomatoes and I haven’t putted them in a pot they are in like a hole pot that the tomatoes systems are out side of the pot now how can I transfer them without harming them?

[@missadams1330]

I miss the days of grabbing a warm tomato from my grandmas garden , just add salt and ate it like an apple . Trying to grow my own now, thank you for all the great tips 🍅😋

[@L.Spencer]

I remember going to my grandma's for the day, her making us sandwich and peeling a big beefsteak tomato to put on the sandwich. And when I got too full to finish it she'd chide me for eating cookies before I came to her house.

[@mangot589]

@@L.Spencer Jeez. Now I need a tomato sandwich lol. I’m surprised people don’t eat them much anymore🤷‍♀️

[@armchairgeneralissimo]

My great aunt had some of the tallest tomato plants I've seen, I always left with a bag of tomatoes after visiting.

[@TheArnoldAttic]

why salt?

[@rxdawg75]

Oh man...nothing like a fresh, garden tomato slice(s) with salt, pepper and mayo on toasted bread.

[@roblink4781]

I'm on my 4th year of transforming my urban yard into a working micro farm and I dig what you are trying to do by getting people to grow their own food, outstanding

[@Acts-1322]

Nice pun there... Ya dig?

[@BrendaVen]

Last year was my first experience with tomatoes. I used a combination of starter plants and seeds. I also planted a lot for fear nothing would grow. While I did not prune, water properly, mulch and nor did I properly support the vines I had a measure of success. This time around I am going to try the tips. Thank you

[@limeBlender]

I’m in the same boat. Last year was my first year growing tomatoes. I stuck some purchased seedlings into the garden bed and let them do as they would. Had some lovely tomatoes. This year, purchased seedlings, but fertilised them when planting, eventually added sea soil to amend their soil, mulched, tied them up using the string system, pruned their lower leaves. Fingers crossed!

[@mr19471985]

Experimenting is a way you can learn with tomatoes, do not water top down. Water at base and be careful not to splash water, leaf problems are real, good luck

[@suzycreamcheeze000]

Haha I did the same thing...they all grew together and looked Ike a damn jungle!

[@isabelleblain9657]

Not a mistake but a tip I learned this year. I had missed some suckers, which grew to about 6-8 inches. I cut them off, planted them in soil and watered them daily. I now have 2 free plants growing well and flowering. Yeah, more tomatoes!

[@ChannelSchen]

Damn. Got this tip too late! :)

[@denipar69]

Isabelle Blain me too! Just stuck them in the dirt and I have. 6 more mini plants!

[@janeschmidt9611]

Did this too but I rooted mine in water first then planted in soil.

[@nameunknown007]

Wow thanks, I didn't know tomatoes plants propagated that way!

[@isabelleblain9657]

This was the first time I replanted suckers. I must say though that these plants did not produce much compared to the mother plants, not even close!

[@cgandy93]

I've been working this summer with a local farmer that has been growing heirloom tomatoes for over 20 years! I helped him plant over 100 tomato plants so far so I have a couple of different tips for ya! In regards to how he prunes he tends to leave as many leaves on the plant as possible, even the ones on the ground. He keeps an eye on them and only removes those if they start to show signs of mold or rot. He is always very big about leaving as many leaves as possible so to protect the tomatoes from harsh sun. He also has a lot of space and uses the poles method but instead of weaving the string in between the plant he sets up a net (I####I####I) which which he strings very taut in between the poles. As the tomatoes grow he has clips that he uses to attach the stem to different areas of the net as the plant crawls upwards. Love your videos Kevin! I work as a chef in NJ and loved your video for Riverpark Farm!!

[@cgandy93]

Rinda Batson Not if you leave the right leaves! :) The water leaves don’t actually take energy from the plant but rather supply them with it. The ones that steal the energy and nutrients would be leader stems that grow from the node of the water sprout leaves. Those ones want to continue to put out new flowers and branches which is why it steals energy and nutrients from the main leaders. The guy that I work for will just nip new leader stems at the top so as to keep those leaves giving energy to the plant without it continuing to try and produce fruit.

[@fredstilwell3517]

Hello how are you doing Christina. I trust you are safe and in good health. God bless you.

[@ninagerulski8832]

I’ve seen this method as well and have wanted to try it. I’ve also seen tomatoes woven in the nylon trellis

[@allthingsconsist1742]

What a blessing to be able to work with a farmer like that! Man that's so cool

[@StinkyPeterson]

Great video! Been growing tomatoes for probably about 6 years now, since I was in high school, and I never knew about determinate vs indeterminate varieties! One thing I disagree with slightly is support. I agree wholeheartedly that the worst option is no support. However even though those metal cages are probably one of the worst options, the conic structure will get the job done. I’d even say anything that will hold up the plant gets the job done. As long as your plants are supported even a wooden steak can do it. Thanks for the great tips!! Subscribed!

[@teem9010]

yes! lol! when my tomatoes start growing everywhere like weeds,we have to get creative! last summer i used an old broom handle and those reflective driveway stakes i remember!!n:)

[@silkee1922]

Yes....but nothing is worse than trying to save an under supported plant mid season that is snapping branches due to not enough support to start. Some plants can be super aggressive with output, especially as you get better at causing or helping output.

[@nannaprobe1]

This is a brilliant youtube channel! Due to the recent death of my Dad I inherited his greenhouse and some very young tomato plants, but unfortunately I didnt inherit his knowledge. I had to move the greenhouse and the plants (my Dad cultured them) to my home. I don't have a clue what I'm doing but have learned, from this video, that everthing I have done has been wrong. I just wanted to save my Dads plants from perishing which they haven't and they have ripening tomatoes on them but I can see the plants aren't really happy, so I will endeavour to improve what I can and when I grow tomatoes next season I will be armed with good knowledge and experience. Thanks Epic Gardener 😁

[@patriciasangster4808]

Sorry for the loss of your dad

[@zhaomike5202]

This video shows a very realistic tomato: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHvVnpimaJVjsM0

[@SnarkasticSunny]

Best of luck to you. Your Dad would be pleased that you are trying to grow his plants! And, save seeds from 1 of the best ones. (See above comment on how to save easily on paper towel & plant next time.)

[@dsddala467]

Tomatoes need lots of sun, good soil and water will depend on where you live. Use an organic fertilizer (won't burn your plants or over fertilize in moderation) like Neptune's Harvest or Epsoma. Tomatoes have a strong will to live and will do even just OK under semi poor conditions. Good luck!

[@kathynix6552]

Save seeds from the nicest of your dad’s tomatoes and his legacy will endure

[@JK-eu1du]

The time stamps on the video and titles of each section are EXTREMELY HELPFUL and you're a cool dude for putting that effort in!!! I always watch the whole thing but I often find myself returning to videos to find a specific tip. This makes it really easy, thanks

[@journeywithnichole986]

Agreed

[@parkerbarnes7726]

10:49 I think the one slight exception to "all tomatoes can be used for all purposes" is canning. Storing tomatoes requires that use you fruits below a specific pH level, meaning the tomato must be acidic. If you want to can and store a very sweet, low acid tomato, you may have to add some lemon juice or other means of lowering the pH.

[@Junkinsally]

Even “low acid” tomatoes have enough acid to can, no need to add lemon juice.

[@fabricdragon]

nah, just pressure can instead of water bath

[@fabricdragon]

@@Junkinsally not really. water bath canning is only safe at certain Ph... if you cannot test the ph with litmus paper its safer to pressure can it.

[@katiecascone2493]

@@fabricdragon ah wow good to know. what about vinegar bath?

[@fabricdragon]

@@katiecascone2493 if you can be sure of the ph (lemon juice or vinegar etc) you should be able to water bath can.

[@fin-neas9623]

Not me watching this video with a balcony that doesn’t have sunlight

[@ilovemichigan-1111]

May I make a suggestion.... When I lived in an apartment and I didn't even have balcony.... I bought 3 $20 grow lights... And turned my walk-in closet into a mini greenhouse 😊 it was a lot of fun and really cool!

[@NOTANOTHERCOOKINGSHOW]

Sungold cherry tomatoes are my favorite. The sweetness is intense. Great video bro

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate it, yeah cannot beat sungold TBH

[@wpk286]

My wife loves Campari tomatoes from BJ's but the seeds/transplants are impossible to find. Someone told me to just take a 3/8" slice withe seeds, put them into a 4" pot, and cover them with 1/2" of potting mix. I did this early June and now (7/18) they're 14" tall and should be producing tomatoes in September after my regular tomatoes are done.

[@pomme800]

@@wpk286 That's what I did in May and I am eating those delicious campari tomatoes now .Very quick germination if you cover the top with saran wrap to keep the moisture in...

[@Cola82]

My favorite, also! I have three right now putting out buckets of fruit every day. We made pizza sauce with them and it’s sooo good. They’re the only variety I grow every year. The rest change as I experiment with new varieties.

[@timbillings6884]

Yes they are awesome! It's a highbread tomato but they put in the hearloom catagoury because it is so Good! It grows huge to! 👍

[@sharonawalker521]

This is my first try. I’m growing a cherry tomato on my 4th floor rooftop patio near Wrigley Field. Abundonza! My 6 year old grandson loves to water it. He says its the most “precious” plant he’s ever seen. He’s ecstatic that there are now clusters turning red. I’ve always been a flower gardener & have let my grands help. Thanks for your guidance.

[@eclecticfavors6197]

Last season, about a month before the end of the growing season for zone 8A, I topped my indeterminate tomato plants as instructed on another channel. The reason being, it stopped the plants from growing endless new blooms/fruit at the top and concentrated energy to ripen the green tomatoes already on the plant before the weather killed it in late Sept/Oct. Prior seasons I did not top the plants before season's end, and the tons of green tomatoes on the plants never ripened. I guess, I would not overlook topping altogether. It sure worked for me. Almost all of my fruit ripened before fall. I think you just have to do it at the right time for your zone and situation. And don't be afraid to lose the small tomatoes at the top. They were never going to ripen anyway.

[@StefenTower]

I agree with removing the undergrowth but I generally leave the suckers because I *want* a bushy plant - it helps to prevent sunscald on the fruits. I get the "air flow" point, though, and that's why I plant my tomatoes 3 feet apart.

[@joanl.7543]

Thanks from an inexperienced grower doing tomatoes for the first time this year!

[@epicgardening]

Glad to help!

[@sihamarieff962]

Same! 😬😬😬

[@user-cu8bm9tw7s]

I’m blessed to be a tenant in a two family house where the owner’s family lets me use space on the property to do things. The landscaper and I get along great so we’re always chatting about what’s happening, from his amazing blooms (he does the ornamental, I do the edible) to the bunnies and chipmunks 😊🐰 (that have had their way with the cabbage patch and beans 😩...aw well) to my excitement tonight with seeing blossoms on the peppers. This is the first year doing a “big” garden here as in the past it was just a few containers. Our town got hit hard with the financial side effect of the Rona so the food banks have very been busy, unfortunately, according to the landscaper. It made me angry. I can’t help financially like I’d like to (big pay cuts), but a veggie garden could end up helping fill bellies. So I changed my anger into a mission with tons of prayer and decided to go bigger this year. So, it’s veggies, especially tomatoes, that I hope to share with not only the landscaper and owner’s family but with the pantries. I even have a couple pots of mini pumpkins and gourds for a local community center, God-willing 🙏🏻 Some of the space has never seen a vegetable grown in it but a great sign were all the worms when I was prepping the grounds back in March 😊 So, please pray for what I’m hoping to accomplish as it would be such a blessing to be able to share God’s edible creations with those that are hurting. I’m just a simple steward of His earth, as all of us gardeners are. I hope you are all blessed with a bountiful harvest! Let’s make 2020 the start of the modern day Victory Gardens! 🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@epicgardening]

Lucky you!

[@user-cu8bm9tw7s]

Epic Gardening very lucky and humbled this year! And I have to say, your videos are a welcomed distraction from the news. You’re extremely easy to follow and understand as you don’t go too technical and you’re honest about what you do. You’re very generous to share your knowledge with the world as the impact may be priceless. We all know the excitement when something goes wonderfully in our garden but imagine the feeling for a first time gardener, the hope 😊🌱 Keep up the AMAZING work!!

[@tauceti8341]

Hey M don't be too mad about the beans if you can. They have a lot of protein, and are small and compact. Easy for a munk to store for winter! Really cool to see the commoradory you've shared. After starting a veggie patch in my front, My neighbors have praised me, and we've established trades. Funny though I've gotten a notice from the Gov saying "vegetative overgrowth". I'm hoping when I'm able to establish contact with them again I can explain. They have some very contradictions, with policy and enforcement. I don't even live in a HoA so I'm shocked by their new enforcements. I don't be seem to be singled out though. In my morning walk I saw one of them with a ruler measuring grass.

[@sevenstreams7581]

This is going to be epic pun intended. Lol I'm in a similar situation and Im renting after homeownership. This my 1st garden on someone elses land. I now have a resident bunny. Looking forward to sharing

[@shawtop]

What a comment from epic gardening. "lucky you" That's shocking. If your read comments at least leave a half decent comment, come on man.

[@loairady8528]

I'm so happy watching you, you really inspire me! I'm grwoing a small organic farm in Egypt and I do learn so many things form you. Thank you and stay blessed!

[@bronwenjones2435]

Wow, thank you. I had some Big Fails last tomato season. Will try again next year. I grew 7 in pots that weren't great, one that spread over my garden and was great, and one beefsteak style that more or less grew itself right near a little low-growing peach tree and in fact wove itself through the branches for support. I had the best tomatoes from this one, in the garden rather than in pots. And I splashed water all over them all tho did have some mulch round them all. So much to learn!!! Thank you.

[@ReelFunkedUp]

Another problem I've seen with inconsistent watering is fruit cracking. The tomatoes pick up so much water that the skin splits allowing insects and disease easy access. Great info as usual. Thanks for sharing,

[@tauceti8341]

Ill have to share this with my neighbor. He told me his tomatoes were exploding. I thought he was being facetious with how much he was growing. But they do actually explode!

[@JosephMannJr]

The cracking can also come from extreme temperature swings (day/night). I get this more often late in the season (Zone 6) when days are still warm but nights are getting chilly. Not a lot you can do about that!

[@AnAutoEnthusiastsLife]

Having this problem now with our pineapple tomatoes. Just watering less in hopes it doesn't continue. Oh! And this is our first season of gardening in our small backyard. Cherry tomatoes are delicious. 🤤 Squash too! And the fingerling carrots we pulled out the other day were awesome.

[@sandilindemuth121]

Don't water too much... Unless the weather is extremely hot. Cover the stems with compost for better support if needed.

[@michaelborden363]

I just started growing some tomatoes on my tiny little balcony on my apartment and these videos have helped me tons. Thanks for all the hard work, your videos are always concise and very informative. Anyone watching these can tell you have a real passion for gardening and imparting that knowledge.

[@Bodhismile]

This was my first year to try a determinate tomato plant-classic slicer style tomatoes. Success! I followed your pruning tips and my one plant has been super productive. The tomatoes are plentiful and gorgeous! I have a small plot in city provided community garden so about 50 sq ft for veggie growing (I have a rose bush and a section with lavender, rosemary and sage, and tulip & daffodil bulbs in the remaining 10 sq ft or so). I play around with a variety of veggies and it’s fun to see what thrives and what “plays well together” (or not).

[@lauranunley2101]

Love how u explain everything. I grew up.on a farm and we would plant about 300 tomato plants. My dad would never stake them or prune them due to very large area they had to be grown in. We would usually get around 150 bushels of tomatoes, sometimes more depending on the weather. I'm growing my tomatoes in 5 gallon buckets to keep the cats out of them. Last year I used 20 gallon tubs, and I couldn't keep the cats out at all. Looking forward to more of ur videos.

[@christinaheater2500]

Moved into a new house a couple years ago and had been battling blossom end rot each year. Tried other KZbin suggestions on calcium and watering, didn't help. This year, I've pruned & added mulch. So far, so good. Thank you for your awesome videos!

[@treebeard7140]

I ran out of supports for my 10 gal bucket tomatoes so just placed all the buckets close together and they support each other quite well.

[@tauceti8341]

Careful of mold and disease from close contact, If you're open I would suggest some Neem Oil! Lots of air flow too.

[@Elizabeth-rp1pi]

No airflow! ☹️

[@ninagerulski8832]

Space them, put in posts and do the Florida weave. Or as I call it, the bop and weave. It’s such an awesome technique that I learned when I volunteered on a farm for a week. I use it on my peppers as well. Good luck

[@SwitchMultiMedia]

Bought a small farm 6 months ago. We are in South Africa and just going into summer. This is our first season growing and your videos really help educate as well as inspire. Happy to be 1 of the 10 million.

[@lindsaymacklin8220]

Love your videos! Just made a raised garden bed in my back yard yesterday... Had one years ago but I needed gardening tips to refresh me! Your channel is GREAT!

[@lvs6775]

My first year growing tomatoes. A friend gave me two, and I was definitely inconsistent with the watering and fertilizing. I planted them in containers that were a bit too small and the support isn’t great. I still managed to get a couple handfuls of sungold, and the painted lady is slowly producing some fruit. It helped me learn to prune at least. I’m excited to see what I’ll learn next tomato season 😁

[@TingleTetra]

That's pretty much the story I have with my tomato plants - my first year trying to see if I get any fruit that make it to edible stages!!

[@DonnaKohl458]

I also planted in containers. The problem is they need to be watered twice a day because they dry out so fast in this Texas heat. Next year I'm going to larger pots or a raised garden.

[@HungLe-ih8yk]

@F W Before mulching my pots I usually top-dress my tomato plants with worm castings. Tomato plants love worm castings. Worm castings also retain the water very well.

[@tauceti8341]

That's awesome Ivs, I was lucky that tomatoes were one of the last vegetables I've tried since I knew they were a bit on the harder side to grow. WOOOOOW do they need pruning. 1 Week later it takes the place over haha. I got SO SO SOOOOOO many cuttings I was able to give some to my neighbors I watched kevins video on propagation the cuttings and I've been very unlucky cloning. Surely enough 3-7 days later it grew roots. It kinda spooked me out how nature can do that.

[@lkwonda]

@@DonnaKohl458 I have tomatoes growing in both terra cotta pots and those cloth bag/smart pots - I found that the clay pots dry out much faster and often look thirsty for a second watering, whereas the smart pots retain more moisture and don't necessarily need a second watering.

[@IVOrganic]

AWESOME LESSON! 🍅👍 I’ve been consistently growing Sweet 100’s among experimental varieties each year- always enjoying the show of thousands of little tomatoes at the front of other medium & larger varieties. Subscribed! Charles 🌱👍

[@mikeries8549]

We got those too.

[@user-ps5hp8lr5v]

طج جج جج جص9ج000طص طصص1ضحذ ءم-)₩@()'#؟؟*#))#((#)8£77

[@XenobiaF]

I always grow several Sweet 100 plants along with one or two varieties I haven’t tried yet. I get way more tomatoes than I can eat. It’s great to be able to share them. I also cut them in half, roast them until the juice is thick, put them in jars (leaving room for expansion) and freeze them.

[@3plums541]

I just bought the Supersweet 100 plant. The label said it will grow up to 10 ft. Can I top it off at 5 or 6 ft? Do I have to prune them or let them grow? TIA

[@XenobiaF]

@@3plums541 I have learned to prune the plants to a sort-of-manageable height when I have to climb on a ladder to pick the tomatoes. Otherwise, they really get out of hand. It’s a pretty good problem to have!

[@rafaelmagana6964]

Tomato tip: sing Atleast one song to the plant in its lifetime.

[@markf7066]

Kevin, I have learned so much from you! Your videos are spot on. You are so right in that there’s so much trial and error, but hopefully by watching your videos, I have less of both and more success. Thanks for the tomato tips!

[@Killer_Turnip]

Thank you for the explanation on soil splashback from watering. I have seen this on my peas and tomato leaves, didn't realize it could be a potential issue. I do think I should invest in a proper mulching (I only mulched around my cucumbers), didn't realize how important it is.

[@chidovimus]

Hey brother, just wanna add that I love ur body language throughout the vid, the engagement, the transitions to diff topics, linking the topics in the description- keep doing what ur doing bro! 🔥👌

[@65BAJA]

Just started a fall garden this week. One raised bed 3'x12' so far. Tomatoes, red bell peppers, coriander, Thai basial, Thai green peppers, I've watched your pruning video and this one so far. I think I have some work for tomorrow pruning and fertilizing. Thanks for the help.

[@petuniasevan]

6:05 I found, at least in my area in Wisconsin, that blossom end rot occurs because of lack of calcium in the soil. I added a bit of powdered lime to each tomato plant's area last year, and had NO blossom end rot at all, and only watered them if it didn't rain for more than 10-14 days. Also found that tomatoes do not grow well near pine roots (I have some Mugo shrub pines nearby) so I had to move the tomato growing area over a ways.

[@kevinhicks1108]

NOTHING grow well near pine roots. A lot of pines and firs seem to release something that kills off other vegetation around the tree.

[@rickytorres9089]

Interesting then I got a "serious" tiny seedling taking to the winds even though it's sprouted by itself IN a pot of a topical pine that is surviving. Since Target thought it was a "bright" idea to be selling them in bunches of like 9 plants together to form them into "trees". As well as to make sure the humidity would suffice by crowding them so close together.

[@SuperNerd707]

Your last few videos have been perfectly catering to my garden needs haha. Thank you!!

[@epicgardening]

I'm so glad!

[@MeecheMeeche]

Our yellow ping pong tomatoes and black cherry tomatoes have been stellar this year.... great tasting and the yellow ping pongs have a hint of lemony flavor. Also, I was able to get several additional plants from cutting suckers from both, based on your tips a couple months ago. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@mchangmi]

I started growing tomatoes this year in May 2021 for the first time ever I started from seeds and created starters but I moved my starters into pot that maybe are too small so I need bigger pots to put them in but they seem to be doing okay so far I just have to keep watching them appreciate your Channel I'm also in Southern California

[@tommycristaldi9037]

This was a huge help. I grew tomatoes that were indeterminate and damn. Huge 3’x3’x3’ monster. I never learned about pruning until now. This year will be an “EPIC” year for our garden. Thanks!

[@kristen_h_ct]

I just "found" you this past weekend, and already I have a much greater appreciation for the care I need to take with my backyard garden. Thank you for the simple but super important tips and education you're providing!

[@epicgardening]

Welcome to the community Kristen!

[@libertymicrofarm6032]

We do the “Florida’s weave”. All we grow is indeterminate because we are looking for production. Most are heirloom. We have two 25’ rows and three 6’ T-posts in each row. This works well for us with the weave method. We also used woven weed barrier this year for the first time. I’m still on the fence as to whether or not I like it. Supposedly water is supposed to go through it. But I’m finding the water actually running off.

[@LorentzInvariance]

Some good tips here. This year I started trimming off those bottom shoots and leaves for about the first 18”, big improvement on the blight issue. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@bobharms8787]

Wow! Awesome info Kevin and well presented...Over the years experience has taught me these principles you are incorporating. Love your tomatoes by your home....It looks so similar to a gardening technique as the proximity along with plastic extended the growing season in Wisconsin. I could set out plants and leave them longer because of shelter...I used egg shells for the calcium and scraped sheet rock crushed for gypsum...coffee grounds and mulch from 2nd year grass clippings and leaves. My grass was free of lawn treatments...I am subscribing today...love your presentation

[@rjs69]

Anyone in UK check out the Akron variety, its specifically done for UK climate and even grows in the RHS nursery in Scotland.

[@ericarose3486]

absolutely picturing Her Majesty enjoying tomatoes at Balmoral lol

[@KowashiHitori]

As someone who lives in an apartment with a balcony that doesn't get enough sun... I recommend cherry tomatoes to people. I always have amazing luck with cherry tomatoes whereas attempting to grow larger fruit tends to not work out as well. But even if you have a balcony that only gets light half the day, you CAN grow successful tomatoes. I would just recomment a sub irrigation container and determinate cherry tomatoes. They'll do great. Also small pepper plants like thai peppers, shishitos, and jalapenos. (bell peppers don't do so well)

[@epicgardening]

Well said and congrats!

[@janellepoe6601]

Thanks for the tips! Have apt, no balcony! 5.5 hrs. of direct sun per day, and I move them every afternoon to the south side window. Worried about the feasibility when they get big. About to repot into 5 gallon grow bags, so we'll see!

[@hollypoole2397]

This is my FIRST time ever in growing tomatoes - and what massive joy I experienced today when I went out to try my hand at pruning (lower leaves)......and there were 3 teeny Roma tomatoes .ohhh what joy!!! Thanks for your helpful videos! (Nova Scotia - Canada)

[@ruefree9254]

I agree with the cattle panel cage. We made some round fence cages 20 years ago, the best support ever, and super long lasting! Thanks for the pruning advice. I had never thought to prune those lower limbs, just the suckers.

[@lisalewis6426]

Great timing! I was going to put my tomato cages up today, but am going to try the Florida weave instead!

[@agood1]

tomato cages work for peonies

[@amandacraft-frietch7131]

Thank you for all of these videos! You're easy to follow, fun to watch, educational, and entertaining. You hold my interest and taught me a lot so good job thank you for doing these 💕

[@lafasj]

I planted my first garden this year and appreciate all of your tips getting started! Thank you!

[@aanda2474]

Last year I had a very disappointing tomato harvest so I'm watching now to prepare for this year to have a amazing year of tomatoes I also got two tomato varieties that are heat tolerant which is perfect for the summers in west texas. Thank you!

[@eryniel3585]

This is my first time growing tomatoes, so this is very helpful. A friend had more plants than she needed, so I got to take one home with me. I think they’re called pear tomatoes, and I’m really excited to see what they’ll taste like! I have a lot of flowers, so fingers crossed they’ll actually produce fruit

[@FranklinA51]

So glad to see the 'planting in a row' perspective, for that is what I did this year. I ran two horizontal lines of twine, (like a clothesline) between the posts, then wrapped each plant from the ground up to the horizontal twine. I (just yesterday) I rewrapped each plant and pruned all the low branches and suckers. So far so good! Thank you for all your great information!

[@donschwab4162]

Got some serious tips, been growing for years, the last couple have had some blossom end rot issues, and now I know why, thank you!

[@desertflower9557]

Thanks so much for mentioning not being restricted to a certain type of tomato for specific uses. I was saying to my daughter the other day, why some growers were saying this. This is my 2nd year attempt at growing veggies, I have always grown flowers and houseplants. I didn't get much yield but, did get some.

[@michelleh4588]

I'm growing celebrity tomatoes for the second year in a row, I love them! Also trying out roma and cherry heirloom tomatoes my brother's gf brought from new Jersey!

[@KarmaCraftAmerica]

I’ve had good and bad tomato seasons. Problem is that even during a good season, I’ve never known WHY I had success. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@josephmcgraw4877]

I’ve had a garden for several years, this video made aware of several mistakes I was making. Thanks, I think everyone should have a garden, no matter what, it will either nutrish your body or your soul.

[@shellyroseburg2831]

I've used a cattle panel in an "A-Frame" shape for over 44 years to support tomatoes. They have done very well. I tie them to the panel as they grow.

[@novelist99]

I planted mine late this year, in the middle of June, on a whim. I experimented by growing plants out of tomato slices from tomatoes I bought at the grocery store. So now I have 14 tomato plants, which are doing very well. They're Campari and On the Vine tomatoes. I know they're going to get really tall--as tall as 12 feet. I intend on using PVC stakes as I can't find bamboo anywhere.

[@bensoncheng9231]

Look into the twine technique, apparently tieing to a roof or a tall structure, the tomato plant will climb upwards with the twine.

[@cherylmatthews4066]

LucilleB i do exactly same thing. 👍🏼

[@abyssal_phoenix]

I literally pruned them yesterday. I cut them until 1/3 of the bottom was leave free. (All of those leaves wanted to touch the soil)

[@sandrahill3053]

Thank you Kevin, you provide lessons for my high school and middle school classes I teach. The students connect and relate to your style.

[@tommyjoestallings855]

Have to say from a 49 year-old professional Florida farmers opinion... you have solid advice I'm On five hundred acres. And you are right on.

[@gypsy97feder94]

After a great crop last year, I made every imaginable mistake this year. A couple of weeks ago I broke my wrist, so mt gardening season was just about over with at the end of June.

[@wingabouts]

My favorite variety is any red cherry tomatoes. I've learned how to ferment them whole and then I can toss 6 or 7 on a green salad in the dead of winter! I lovingly call them tomato bombs - fresh basil, onion, garlic and tomatoes. Yum!!!

[@TheDenisedrake]

Awesome! I ferment a lot of foods but never tomatoes. How do you do it?

[@icouldjustscream]

They sound incredible!

[@RedNicole22]

Would love to hear more about this.

[@AnnieFuturepilot]

Wait can you tell us how you do this please 😁

[@AnN-py2em]

Dido, how do you?

[@showmasterspreorders5574]

Just bought my 1st greenhouse, used to help my grandfather in his as a kid and loved it. Now i'm 47 and my 19 year old son cant wait to get started as well. First thing we picked up were tomato plants

[@sallyshan1318]

Just found your channel, and found the mistakes to avoid very helpful. I've not been successful in getting my tomato plants to fruit, and now know why. Thank you very much for sharing your tips.

[@gregstabryla9945]

Along with a slow release fertilizer( I use bulb fertilizer) in the hole, I add a spoonful of epsom salts. Helps to sweeten the fruit in the long run. Also plant it at least halfway deep.

[@paulhockaday76]

Good tips. I like that you showed the "off the shelf" supports bit also made some suggestions for DIY solutions. I really like the California sandwich idea, I'll be using that next year. And all power to making the urban space go green and work. Yours looks a bit neater than mine 😊

[@serwalkerofthekeynes8761]

I have a bit of a demon Tommy plant.. I planted a few loose seeds thinking nothing would happen. Now it's spawned into 4 hulking stems that have in turn blossomed plenty of branches,flowers and now fruit. I didn't think about supports (newbie), and I'm not yet confident enough to have them moved into the ground.. So iv gently woven them together with some string.. lots of string 😅 I can't seem to keep up with this thing! But I'm glad it's thrived!

[@adenshalala9265]

3rd year gardener here and the mistake I made this year was planting indeterminate maters in a 2' raised bed. I still have time to support them, but my idea is to trellis them over my head into an arch.

[@brianseybert2189]

I'm experimenting with a living mulch (creeping thyme, purslane and oregano) this year for my tomatoes and peppers. I am doing this for two reasons, eliminating the need to mulch my soils and two, to establish perennial roots in my beds for the soil microbes. It is the soil biology that feeds our plants unless your using miracalgrow (which is fine). If you establish a robust network of soil biology you will have no need for fertilizers, soil amendments, pesticides or fungicides. Plants have been doing this for millions of years on their own, we just come along and screw it up.

[@paulinswfl8218]

Exactly. It's not like someone invented the "tomato."

[@RJack1915]

oh my we have an organo that is 4 feet wide, be careful

[@brianseybert2189]

@@RJack1915 I think I Should have stuck with the creeping thyme. If the oregano gets too unruly I'll just pull it before it takes over. It is cool to have a green cover to the garden beds. I planted oregano and thyme in my celery bed May 1st and it has almost completely filled in between the celery. Thanks for the heads up on the oregano.

[@dsddala467]

YES! Soil health is essential. However, Miracle Grow is a chemical crap storm. Using an natural fertilizer like Neptune's Harvest or Epsoma will feed those microbes and increase your soil health.

[@brianseybert2189]

@@dsddala467 I totally agree about miracle grow. But to some gardeners that is what they use, so be it. I do not buy anything to feed my plants. I compost, make leaf mold and have 3, 25 gallon worm bins, soon to be 5, 25 gallon worm bins. Under the microscope the soil in my vegetable beds are teeming with all sorts of life. Worm castings under the microscope are just amazing. That is why, I personally do not purchase anything for my gardens any longer. I either grow it or produce it all from my garden.

[@HuntFishJits]

Great video. I'm crushing the tomatoes this year. We live on the beautiful Oregon coast and multiple neighbors said you couldn't grow tomatoes. So, this year I went hard on the tomatoes and thus far have been hugely successful. For me, experimentation is the fun. I've got every version of ways to grow that I can think of. The weave is my favorite. Simple as two posts and some twine. I've got some directly in the ground, some hanging upside down, some hanging right side up, and in a pot as well. I don't know if it helps, I think it does, when I clean fish I have two bowls filled with water. One is for the fresh meat to rinse after I cut it. The other is to clean everything and I throw the guts and head and everything I don't keep in there. I save the fish heads and guts for crabbing, keep the meat for dinner, then I rinse the fish blood, guts, and meat water into my veggies. Scientifically I don't know what's going on but I do know this year has been my most efficient and productive year out of the last decade or so of gardening and I'm located about 400 yards from the Pacific Ocean. Thanks for your tips and excellent tutorials.

[@danieltusjak]

I just started growing my first batch of tomatoes and have really enjoyed your videos on growing them. Thanks Eric, I'll miss hearing from you!

[@AnAutoEnthusiastsLife]

First time gardening this season and have learned so much. Still a lot to learn obviously, but it's a hobby for my wife and I to enjoy together that we will continue. Have had some delicious Cherry Tomatoes so far, but the Pineapple Tomatoes have been a little trouble with splitting. Other veggie crops have been decent too. Looking forward to our next planting and yields as the soil gets better.

[@nicholascittadino5888]

favorite tomato - 3 actually - sungold or sunsugar - very sweet yellow cherry salad tomatoes, Caspian Pink -sandwich tomato, and San marzano for Sunday sauce. One thing I do when planting tomatoes that I grow from seed is to take off the bottom branches and bury the tomato just the branches. It gives them more stability in the soil and the plant will grow roots higher up the stem.

[@stephanienewhouse2056]

Consider adding a few chickens. In the fall I dump out the raised beds and refill them with chicken poop and the chopped straw bedding. Come the spring, it's aged perfectly. I mix it with last year's leaf compost. I got very ambitious during the lockdown and put in 12 new raised beds for the kitchen garden.

[@PaleGhost69]

Seems like extra work when you could just put it on top of the old bed.

[@stephanienewhouse2056]

@@PaleGhost69 Then you have to practice strict crop rotation, as the pathogens live in the soil and will come back hard and early.

[@epicgardening]

Chickens are definitely going onto the new property!

[@SophieBird07]

Oh I miss our pet chicken. We had such a great garden and the best hot compost. She’d stayed right by me and eat critters I’d dig up that I wouldn’t even see. And she laid one egg everyday for 7 years. Every yard needs at least one hen!

[@charnaa]

Thank you for all the advice, I am now ready for spring growing! Oh how I wish I saw this video several months ago... During lockdown my friend started growing cherry tomatoes and brought me some young plants. Had no idea what variety they were, how to properly support them, etc. Since I live in an apartment, I have to grow them on my window, and boy it did grow soooo tall (which is difficult to manage in the space available). I pruned all the suckers but with no idea on the shape: it ended up growing tall and kind of thin. I did learn a lot from all of my mistakes, and ended up having so much delicious fruit in the last two months :) The thing I'd like to add is advice on how to grow it on your window, for people who don't have a garden or balcony: choose a variety that doesn't grow tall and try to regulate it with pruning, research the best support method (you don't want to bring the pots in every time there's heavy wind if they're on the outside, they can get quite heavy), use a nice deep pot on the sunniest side of your apartment. Mine faces south and everything grows like crazy in continental climate. If you have pets in your apartment, you can pet-proof everything with some imagination (since tomatoes can be toxic to dogs and cats), I personally make cages and put obstacles near the pots so my cat can't dive right in. Not related to tomatoes, but be careful with cucumbers: cats love to eat them. Mine ate 2 young plants and enjoyed it, much to my dismay, and while they're not toxic (the fruit is safe to eat in small amounts), mature leaves and flowers can lead to sneezing and irritation, so it's best to keep them where the cat can't eat them. Or sneeze all over.

[@kimokixbutt]

Thanks a bunch all the way from Saudi Arabia. I just bought a medium sized apartment on the 3rd floor, which is the building top. The reason is I have an area that is dedicated to me that's about 25'X13'. Of course I'm using the majority of the area to plant a little garden, and am learning as I go along. Now the weather is a monster down here. But hopefully with your tips and tricks I hope I'll get to where I wanna go. So, thank you and keep on shooting.

[@DebbySchlesinger]

For staking tomato plants, I've used wire underlayment for concrete (from Home Depot). It's spaced in about 6"-8" squares, you can lay it out straight with posts for line plantings, or easily fold it at the joints for squares & fasten with zipties.You can even customiize the height with wire snippers. Works great

[@daphne201239]

Not sure what concrete under layment is but I'm thinking also chicken wire fencing would work for this type (if you can get it straight).?

[@dsddala467]

@@daphne201239 Chicken wire would be too small in terms of holes so the support would be insufficient for the branches which are heavy with fruit and it would make picking the tomatoes difficult. You need something with a 4" x4" hole at the smallest so you can reach your hand inside.

[@commonground189]

I planted my tomatoes too close to each other last year and failed to keep up with them resulting in infestations of aphids moving from plant to plant. So definitely give your tomatoes room to grow and don't skimp on the space you actually do have.

[@blueduval4778]

I get rid of pests by sprinkling shellless sunflower seeds for the birds... then they eat all the bugs

[@donnamkeefe2510]

I am learning so much from you about growing my tomatoes and getting a confirmation about uwhat I am doing, very helpful, thank you!

[@vickihill6180]

Hi, I’ve been growing tomatoes in France for years. One thing I’ve learnt this year is that after last years catastrophic mildew blight I shoukd have disinfected my tomato spiral supports as it’s happening again this year. An elderly neighbour pointed it out to me so I thought I’d pass it on. You can’t beat homegrown tomatoes. Thanks for your youtube channel - it’s very informative 😃

[@jamesabber7891]

I prune my tomatoes like you do with one exception: Late in the season, about 2-4 weeks before I expect the plants to die, I prune the top of my indeterminate tomatoes. As I have already taken all suckers during the season this means there is no place for the plant to make new growth. At this time the plants usually have a lot of unripe tomatoes (which are good for pickling by the way). But having no way to grow any more makes the plant concentrate on developing and ripening the fruits it already has. This small difference in pruning may have to do with different climates. I am growing in northern Europe, at about 55 degree lattitude.

[@Richard-zc1cj]

Thanks James I'll try pruning the top leaves this fall. . I hope you have a good crop.

[@brandondill4234]

It makes sense.

[@RErnie-gv1hv]

I just read an article that said it is OK to top your tomato plants so long as you cut the highest blossom.

[@Richard-zc1cj]

R Earnie, I think I may prune the tops now, they're almost 6 ft tall, but all the tomatoes are on the lower branches.

[@RErnie-gv1hv]

@@Richard-zc1cj Mine still have blossoms on the very top of several stems. It's a guessing game, isn't it?

[@timm6112]

I grew 8 cherry tomato plants from seeds in a planter in front of my house. I spaced them out and watered them on a schedule and I used a combination of half Osmocote shaker fertilizer pellets and egg shells and coffee grounds which I oven dried and ground into a powder. These plants ended up producing an epic amount of delicious tomatoes and grew all the way to the roof. It looked like one enormous, flourishing plant just covered with fruit. At one point I ran out of Osmocote and finished the season with the eggshell thing and It was a fantastic success. Not sure if that was the key or what.

[@veronicapapale9611]

Thank you for making your instructions simple and easy to understand for those of us who are easily confused and overwhelmed.!

[@SoCoPubLib]

Thanks! I'm about to put a Sweet 100 cherry tomato start in my garden. I now know what mistakes to avoid this year!! Great videos.

[@colleenstefano3891]

Great video! I grow in raised 4 x 8 beds and use a soaker watering system. I'm guilty of the cone cages but they seem to work for me. I usually try to grow several varieties in the beds, my favorites are San Diego Red and Black Crum. I also use containers for Sweet 100's. We are in north Orange County, CA.

[@JohnSmith-fq7hj]

Same as long as you get the thicker metal ones they usually ok for a few years at least I started with the thinner ones and they do suck usually only last a year or 2

[@rowenadinsmore1]

Thank you for the info. I keep going back on this when I was started growing tomatoes 3 years ago. I think I have gotten the hang of it. Now my problem is rodent pests, either rats or moles in the garden. I hope you can give some tips on how to prevent rats in the garden. I planted corn and overnight it cleared the flowers on the top and ate half of the corn cobs on all of my 20 stalks! So frustrating after 3 months of growing.

[@cynthialuster1736]

Put any bait around your stalks. The ant bait kills mice ass well as ants. Plus put moth balls around your garden. Mice don't like moth balls we used to do this in our yard to keep all kinds of pest out of our yard.

[@aikomellow]

Thankyou my tomatoes are coming along it’s my first time I’m really excited to have 6 plants! I learned how to prune with your great vids! Thankyou 💕

[@mabdala9156]

For staking tomatoes I started using fencing and t posts . Has been working great