Stem flop

[Kikaida]

Its obvious that at least one of my plants are going to exceed being caged...Aside from topping, can stems be allowed to flop over and continue to grow or does it die?

[CrazyAboutOrchids]

I've used double cages from Gardener's Supply in the past and have had tomatoes grow up, over and down to the ground again. When I use cages, I buy pipe insulation and cut pieces to cover the top of the cages so they are nicer to the vines growing down.

Last year and again this year I am using a weave; same thing with the vines growing up, over and down. I didn't protect the vines from the string used and they made out just fine.

[Labradors2]

Cool idea to use pipe insulation to protect the stems Crazy! I am trying the FL weave this year, and using Jute which is really rough on the stems - or maybe it's just that it's been very windy.......

Linda

[Gardeneer]

Originally Posted by Kikaida

Its obvious that at least one of my plants are going to exceed being caged...Aside from topping, can stems be allowed to flop over and continue to grow or does it die?

Yes, you can let it FLOP, DRAPE, CASCADE. Since it takes place gradually , the stems should adjust and should not break. Draping is easily done with varieties that have slim stems. HMO

Gardeneer

[Kikaida]

Thanks for the replies all.