Can my plant be saved?1

[JuliaK]

Basically I guess I'm a tomato plant murderer. I started growing 2 tomato plants (Big Boy and Beefsteak) in a huge container on the deck. Went to Home Depot for supports and the guy gave me those tomato stakes which were doing the trick for awhile. It seems like all of a sudden in the last week or two, the plant is growing out of control. Between the tomatoes and the heat, the stalks are drooping and the poor plant just looks miserable. I've never pruned it or anything because I just don't know how and I guess now I'm paying for it. Anything I can do? I assume it's too late for a real tomato cage. I've also been adding tomato miracle-gro about once a week to the plant.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d906b3127cce9342a0eabc0900000016108EYtGjZqzZ0

[fuzzy]

How much are you watering it? Tomatoes grown on decks in containers need an outrageous amount of water per day. Especially if its on a red/dark deck like yours (my deck used to be red like that -- red "attracts" light & heat).

The first thing I'd do is pinch off any "suckers" -- lower branches that aren't producing fruit. Those branches are just taking water from the fruit-producing stems/branches.

Second, if you have an overhang and/or if you have a spot (I moved mine under a partially open table umbrella) that would get some shade during the day (note the use of the word *SOME* -- tomatoes like sun, but with this heat, a little relief is good) it may help.

Third, don't stick anything into the soil (like tomato cages) right now. The roots are probably big and you'd cut some "veins" of the roots by doing that. I'm anti-tomato cage anyway because the metal is too rough and tends to "cut" the branches. Your best bet is to use regular old nylons/pantyhose and tie the branches to the stakes you already have in the ground (or, if you wanna be really rednecky like me, we tied some of the huge branches to the deck railing).

HTH!

[greenbunny]

Everything fuzzy says is good. I do agree that you are likely underestimating the water they need. Plants in pots need a lot more water than plants in the ground. I'd say to water them thoroughly at least 2-3 times per day. A long, slow soak, not a quick harsh blast of water. Make sure you don't do it when the sun is beating on them, water droplets magnify the sun and will burn the plant.

[JuliaK]

Thanks for the advice ladies! I feel like I butchered the plant on the bottom and took off about 30 branches. I hope by "pinch" you meant "snap" off the branches. The plant seems to be doing much better. I moved it over so that the umbrella blocks some sun, I've been watering it more just in case it wasn't getting enough water, and I haven't done the nylons yet but I tied the branches up with some string for now. I thought the plant was done for. Thanks again!!!!