Gotta love those Summer storms.

A couple of weeks ago, using a long handled pruner, I decided to cut the top off the very long branch I used as a pole for a 'Florida weave' on a few extra plants that I made room for (couldn't bear to toss 'em.) I reached as high as I could, didn't think ahead, and sure enough, took 2 branches off a Cherokee Purple when the top of the branch fell. Stupid felt I.

Lemonade out of lemons: I brought them inside, trimmed the tops down to about 3" - 5", took off all but the topmost leaves, sliced the stems on the bias at an internode, and stuck them in water (yep, done it numerous times before.) As soon as they grew roots I potted them up, and now they are hardening off.

We have a fairly long season, so hopefully they'll offer at least a few fruits before frost. Now, if only I can find room for them...

Sorry to hear it. I lost one of the major branches of my Black Beauty tomato today, which had quite a few flowers blooming on it, so I sympathize. I also accidentally cut off the growing tip of the main vine on my trombone squash while attempting to trim off a damaged leaf. :(

That said, this is a good time of year for tomato growth, so I bet that side shoot of yours takes off surprisingly quickly and vigorously.

I can relate.... I am afraid to go down to my garden when I get home from work to see if the plants are okay, we had some high winds and almost 3 inches of rain late last night...

Regarding your tomato plant... I had a groundhog come thru and make a meal of several tomato plants back in May, at least 4 of them got eaten almost to nubs... but I did not have the heart to pull them. Well they grew back with a vengeance !! You can hardly tell they were ever eaten ! so give your plants a chance and I bet they will surprise you !