Trouble on the Grange: Buffeted by Winds, Some Plants Break From Supports, Two Feared Dead

Fallen Tomatoes
Originally uploaded by tpl108.

High winds today got the better of two tomato plants, both of the Supersweet 100 variety. Gusting to over 20 mph, the winds proved to be too much for the stakes, which broke on two plants causing them to topple over. Within an hour a rescue plan was underway. Consisting of yards upon yards of yarn and new, sturdier plastic stakes instead of the bamboo which had cracked, the plants were carefully restaked and radically pruned.

"Pruning these majestic plants was heartbreaking," said a spokesperson. He continued to say that the fallen plants were severely cut back in an effort to preserve the integrity of the mainline stems. "We hope that by removing some vegetation, the plants will have less weight to support. With any luck, this will save the season."

Preventative measures were taken with two other plans even though they had not fallen down. Given how far off center they were leaning, it made sense to aggressively prune them back. "It's akin to amputating a limb to save a life," the spokesman explained.

Currently, the plants are in rough shape but are expected to rebound. Estimates of tomato production have fallen greatly, but it remains too soon to tell just how severe the impact will be.

One plant, another supersweet 100, however, withstood the winds quite well and was not pruned. Instead, it received several more supports. The next few days will be critical. Cooler temperatures and light winds should make recovery easier.