On Fri, 16 May 2003 13:52:05 -0600, "JL"
wrote:

Cherokee Purple plants get fairly large and the fruits are on the large
size. The plants are fairly productive, although not as productive as a
hybrid. I use the large size round tomato cages commonly available and stake
them in place with tall stakes. During the heavy fruit setting part of the
season, the cages my start to lean, but don't fall over. Ocasionally, I'll
place a smaller cage or two next to the main large one for additional
support.

Brandywine will probably be approximately similar to Cherokee Purple in
terms of support requirements. I'm not familiar with Mortgage Lifter.


We grew Brandywines last year; four of 'em, from which we
got a total of TWO (2) ripe tomatoes. It was a disaster of
a tomato-year here. I didn't think that the two ripe
tomatoes tasted any better than other varieties either.

They all managed to collapse their round cages (tomato cage
wire) which were staked - they broke the (wooden) stakes.

This year, we're staking the cages with concrete reinforcing
rod (rebar). We're also not growing Brandywines again - I
think they are just not suitable for our short season and
cool nights throughout summer.

We still have tomato cage wire, otherwise I'd get rebar mesh
and use that.

Pat