Would this work or is it daft?

[robbra]

My toms are all in tubs and some are over 3ft high before the first truss and over 6ft high and top heavy, so....
When planted the tub is full of compost and I thought of potatoes in a dustbin where you put them in and build up the compost as the leaves show. Now I'm not advocating exactly the same but if I had the compost say 4" deep when I plant them then as they grow add more around the stem. This would give more roots up the stem and when a Halo is used should give a root around a foot high and the first truss should??? be up to 2ft above the tub not 3ft+.
My plants are in danger of toppling over as the top trusses grow especially the Cuor di Bue.
Any views of course welcome.
PS. I am growing some bush varieties next year as an experiment.
PPS. I have some Red Robins on the go and they are looking good for my trip to Portugal later, yes they are travelling with me or they'd die here.
Rob

[roitelet]

Are you growing inside, ie tunnel, or outside?

[nickdub]

Only way to be sure about the bigger containers is to give it a go.

In terms of the top-heavy plants I'd suggest knocking in some poles or angle-iron at the ends of the row with side braces if necessary - run some wire across the top between these uprights - then use string or whatever from the wire to help support the tops of the plants - as long as you can keep the tops stabilized you are 90% there.

[HoneyChild]

I do pretty much what you describe. Plant them quite low down and gradually add compost as they grow. Although this year the trusses are higher up than I remember from previous years and I've had to pinch out the growing tips as they're too tall.

I've now got one side-shoot and 3 growing tips in individual flower pots to help extend the season.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Toms will most certainly grow more roots if you bury the main stem. When I pot on I always plant as deep as possible so that I gets well rooted stronger plants.

As an aside cumbers do the same.

[robbra]

Thanks for the replies.
They are outdoors and did suffer at the weekend with the wind, 2 of 23 went over despite all being huddled together.
Nick, I was thinking of a washing line post with a line to a bracket on the house wall to secure the canes to.
I'll have to wait until next year before trying it out and if it reduces the gap between tub and first truss I'll be happy.
Honeychild, will you get a result from the shoots? I would have thought it's a bit late to expect a crop.
Thanks again, worth a try.
Rob

[HoneyChild]

I can't remember when I took the sideshoot but it now has two trusses forming. The 3 growing tips were taken later and are still very small but I reckon we still have all of this month and next for things to grow.. at least in a greenhouse anyway. If I only get a few tomatoes from each plant I'll be happy.

[Jungle Jane]

If they’re in danger of toppling over add some string between the bamboo or posts for the vines to be controlled where you want them to go,like with my black icicle toms,this one has two leaders,the fruits so heavy it would bend the stem. I plant them as far down as I can dig,about a foot deep,they’re still giants it’s just the variety. It’s nice you’re treating your plants to a holiday abroad,I think you win plant parent of the year

[robbra]

I can't remember when I took the sideshoot but it now has two trusses forming. The 3 growing tips were taken later and are still very small but I reckon we still have all of this month and next for things to grow.. at least in a greenhouse anyway. If I only get a few tomatoes from each plant I'll be happy.

Ah, I see, thought you'd only just done it, will try this next year, hope it works for you.

[robbra]

If they’re in danger of toppling over add some string between the bamboo or posts for the vines to be controlled where you want them to go,like with my black icicle toms,this one has two leaders,the fruits so heavy it would bend the stem. I plant them as far down as I can dig,about a foot deep,they’re still giants it’s just the variety. It’s nice you’re treating your plants to a holiday abroad,I think you win plant parent of the year

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I have tied some together but most are scattered around the garden not near each other or a fence. Better planning needed. I've never had so many or large tomatoes, 150, not plants, with more starting to come from flowers, exciting but frustrating as none seem even close to getting red.
Yes, my red robins are getting a holiday on the Algarve along with my spaniel, Stan. One big happy family.
Rob