How to Handle a Broken Tomato Stalk

Handle a Broken Tomato Stalk

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Most people who garden have had this happen. You might go out to check your garden only to find that one of the stalks have broken. Maybe you missed it and didn't tie it up properly. Do not fear or worry. You can usually get it to repair itself in most cases.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

ties of string or plastic
extra strip of scrap cloth
gardening sheers or knife

Step1

The first thing you need to do is assess the damage. Was this one of the main stalks or a side stalk? Is it a small bust on the stalk or large?
Remove any fruit that may be growing on the broken tomato stalk. If it is close to ripening you can use the techniques to continue ripening or if it is very green, you can cook it up or use it in a green tomato recipe.

Step2

Once you've removed all of the fruit, you need to help the stalk to repair. If it is a small stalk and you have strong alternative stalks, then cut your losses and cut off the stalk just below the break. Make sure you use one clean swift cut, not jagged or this will damage your plant.

Step3

If it is a larger more important stalk or if the damage isn't that bad you can tie it up. Use ties to support the plant in two or three places further up the stalk. Tie it firmly to the support (tomato cage or stakes, depending on what you're using). You want it to be secure enough that it will not move, yet not so tight as to prohibit it's growth. Take the strip of cloth as a wide and gentler support just below the break.

Step4

Keep a watch on the damaged spot over the next few days. It should look as if it's repairing itself. When it appears as just a scar on the stalk then you can remove the cloth and one of the ties, loosening the others to normal. In some cases even this will not work and you will have to remove the stalk. Look at the leaves and see if they are still thriving or if they all seem to be dying. Again, if it doesn't seem to be repairing, cut a smooth cut just below the damage.

Tips & Warnings

Do not expect much fruit growth during the healing period. Your tomato plant is putting all of it's energy into fixing itself.
Broken stalks can be prevented by keeping an eye on your plant regularly. If you tie them up as they're growing then you shouldn't have this problem...but sometimes it happens.