Tomato Panic!

[Blumf]

Second time growing tomatoes (Super Marmande), and this time we're getting fruit, but oh no! One of the branches, with a nice bunch of growing toms, has snapped at it's base. It's a fairly chunky branch, about 1-2cm diameter.

Should we try and splint it back to the main trunk, with added support? Or should we detach fully and chuck it in a glass of water, then replant when roots start up?

[Buelligan]

I'm afraid you just have to accept that that branch has to come off.  It won't root.  It might splint but you'd have to take of the toms first, so pretty pointless.

If I might ask, how are you supporting your plants and are you nipping out side shoots or what?

Whatever you're doing, I'd say your plant is telling you that it's not strong enough to carry the burgeoning crop.  May I suggest more support and removal of some fruit on overburdened branches?  I know it sounds wrong but losing the whole branch is worse. 

[Blumf]

If I might ask, how are you supporting your plants and are you nipping out side shoots or what?

Canes plus some plastic hook things. It's a semi-bush variety so a bit awkward in that regard, but it does look like it needed better support. That particular plant had already survived a fox (maybe a cat, but I doubt it) attack, dragging the grow bag about for some reason and bending the main stem.

A few nice big fruits were on that branch, obviously too much to handle :(

[shiftwork2]

Under glass is always better, even if you only do a quick lean-to with a pane open at the sides.  That's all of my tomato advice, alright cheers

[Elderly Sumo Prophecy]

Stick the branch in a plastic bag with a banana, so the tomatoes will ripen.

[Claude the Racecar Driving Rockstar Super Sleuth]

[Jasha]

[Blumf]

Don't be daft!

[Alberon]

The real trick is to carefully remove the branch and spritz it with virgin olive oil. Place it in a greased proof paper bag with a quarter of a lemon with two or three small holes for air. Leave it for seven hours and then gently remove and wash it. Then forcibly ram it up your own anus until none of it visible.