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[–] Inconceivable2 ago 

single-stem growing method ... if I have to top it off

Don't clip off the top, these are the growing tips where new flowers and fruits will grow.

Since the plant is a single stem I assume you are supporting it somehow, either wrapping twine around the stem or with plant clips attached to string/wire. It seems to me the only reason to "top it off" is due to space or height constraints.

Easy solution: Gently (gently) lower the plant day by day, training the lower portion to either curl around itself like a garden hose in a big loop or if you have room let it droop off to one side or the other.

Suggestion, clip off leaves as tomatoes are harvested, reducing the "wasted" energy to support useless leaves (which won't produce fruit anyway) and reduces the chance of blight, fungi or insect infestation.

Essentially, the only leaves should be at the level of the oldest flower/fruit and maybe a few leaves just below that to shade the fruit from sun damage, and of course all leaves above. These will sustain the plant during the fruiting cycle. All leaves much below that are superfluous.

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[–] 13405963? [S] ago 

Well I can't let it grow to 20 feet. I don't want to have to climb a ladder to get at the top, and I certainly don't have any supports that tall. I'm topping it at 8 feet, a little over a foot over the top of the support. They're already pretty tall.

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[–] Inconceivable2 ago  (edited ago)

Cutting off the growing tips will reduce harvest, but if you're ok with that then it's your decision.

I suggested you lower the plant and remove all unnecessary leaves. But, it's your garden to do with as you wish.

Edit: PS, don't allow any part of the plant to actually touch the dirt; neither leaves nor fruit nor stem.