sometime in the recent past einnebcj posted this:
Hi

I planted about 12 Tomato/Cherry Tomato plants in a 4x4 patch. I
didn't stake them particularly well and to cut a long story short -
they have gone crazy! Last year the soil was poor so the plants were
small and uncramped. This year I have improved the soil and
subsequently they are much larger and are quite cramped - growing into
eachother. The 'branches' are big and as the fruit grows will become
very heavy and possibly hit the ground or break.

So...what should I do? do I stake now or just let them run their
course? I'm worried if I stake them then I will cause root damage and
break fruit/branches whilst trying to stake but will I destroy what
I've got if I do nothing?

Thanks
C




Cherry tomatoes are generally indeterminant (they don't stop growing at the
ends of the plant) and I've had them grow 8' long. You have way too many for
a 4' x4' plot and I suspect they will over-compete with each other and your
yield will be a lot of green and little red. I suggest you eliminate all but
4 plants if at all possible. But wait and see what other responses you get.

Good luck!

--
Wilson N44º39" W67º12"