Question
I have several very good looking tomato plants, about 5 feet tall.  Good amount of fruit, still green and growing.
in the last few days, I've found a few stems that have bent (kinked) under the weight of the tomatoes. I've tied up the bent stems to attempt to keep them straight.  I've never had this problem before... could it be a nutrient problem causing a weakness in the stems??  Thanks for any ideas you have.
Beth

Answer
Beth, it is very common during dry spells for tomatoes to take longer to mature. Since they are not being harvested on a regular basis, they will weigh down the stems, especially the sucker vines. The suckers are the growth that occurs between the main stem and the leaf axil of the flower stem. Eventually, if allowed to grow, they branch out into their own plant. By leaving these on, the plant expends much of its energy into the new growth rather than producing larger tomatoes. You end up with more tomatoes over the long run, but sacrifice size and space. These stems are also much weaker than the primary stem, and will bend or break once they are weighed down. Many gardeners, including myself, remove these stems when they are 2" or less. The other advantage is a more upright and neater growh habit.

Given your description, I doubt you have a nutrient problem. Phosphorus and potassium are responsible for stem strength and root development, as well as generating blossoms and fruit. It sounds like you have plenty of tomatoes which are probably a healthy size and weight.

Just keep tying the plants for now. Once you start harvesting on a more consistent basis, the problem should subside.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike