It's nearing the end of the tomato season in Seattle - my tomatoes seem
full-grown, just beginning to redden. How much would it affect ripening at
this stage to just cut the stem or major branch near its base before the
next forecasted rain and allow the tomatoes to remain propped up on the
vine? That would eliminate excess water absorption that causes splitting,
but how much would it decrease fruit sugar content? Anyone have experience
with this?

RHR