Have I damaged tomato plant beyond all hope?

[jayzee]

I was out puttering in the garden this evening and noticed some parts of a tomato plant that I wanted to pull off. I usually just pinch off the pieces I want to get rid of, so that's what I tried this time. But the stem was thicker than I thought, and it tore the side of the main stem a little when I was pulling off the side stem. :(

So now there's a wound on one of the main stems, fairly close to the ground. Is there anything I can do to, or will the plant survive on its own? Or is it probably going to be beyond hope? I'm concerned about insects attacking my vulnerable plant, and I'm feeling so stupid for not taking the time to remove the stem properly. :oops:

Thanks...
Jen

[Tony M]

jayzee
Tomatoes are very hardy. If you are concerned about bugs getting into the wound, mix up some garlic and hot pepper as a repellent. I would begin spraying the entire plant with a Garrett juice type mixture to maintain its health.
Tony M

[dragonfly]

If the injury is really close to the ground, maybe you could mound up some dirt around the base of the plant and pull some mulch over the area too?? Just wondering if that would help, but I've never dealt with this particular problem.