For pruned plants, 3½ feet between rows and 1½-2 feet between plants is about right.
To train or not to train is a question that one must answer for himself as the controlling factors vary too widely—costs of stakes, wire and labor, prices of early tomatoes and possibility of cultivating a more or less fancy trade.
VII
THE ETERNAL BATTLE WITH
INSECTS AND DISEASES
The tomato, in most regions, is not one of our most "pestered" crops. Although over thirty diseases of tomatoes are discussed in books and bulletins, most of them are only occasionally serious or are subject to definite control methods. Enemies are generally worse in the warmer climates.
Most home garden tomatoes and many commercial crops are grown without benefit of spray or dust. If trouble arises, county agent or college specialist can usually advise, suggesting methods suitable for local conditions.
Experience must, of necessity, be the guide in shaping a program and costs must be carefully balanced against results.
The principal measures that are widely used are seed treatment against damping off, use of resistant strains against fusarium wilt and application of bordeaux mixture against leaf blights.