Pruning to single stem

[mikej]

Fairly new to this, but here is my experience, but limited. I have grown hybrids in the past and never pruned them. They sure provided many tomatoes, but most of the later ones were small and the foliage was so thick. Last spring and fall, I grew Brandywines and had the same results. My indeterminates crop growing now, (I have Cherokee Purple, German Giant, and Better Boy), I have kept them pruned to 5 or 6 stems per plant. Some of my pruning has been simple pruning and some I do the Missouri pruning. I do the Missouri prune if it is in an area where I think the foliage may be a little thin. Here in South Florida the sun can be brutal on the fruits, so I want some foliage to provide shade. So far the plants look good and my first few fruits have been large and well- flavored. I, like Carolyn, think the foliage and the photosynthesis it provides is important for the flavor.