I have several suggestions. First, be sure you're using a fertilizer designed for tomatoes or any fertilizer that is low in nitrogen content (the first of the three numbers on the fertilizer package). With too much nitrogen you'll get big, beautiful plants and few/no tomatoes.

Do an internet search for "prune tomatoes" and follow several of the leads. You'll find helpful videos and articles about how to maintain your plants so that most of the nutrients go into tomatoes, not unwanted growth.

Using just one stake to support a tomato plant is difficult. The lateral branches will get heavy when the tomatoes develop, so you'll get better support more easily with a wire cage or a trellis of some sort. You can use two or three stakes with a string framework, as long as they are far enough apart to give the plant room to grow out. Then use thick string, strips of panty hose (my favorite), or nursery tape to attach the branches LOOSELY to the trellis. Be careful not to tie them tight enough to cut off the flow of nutrients.

I'm sure others will have more ideas. Hope you get lots of good tomatoes. Enjoy them!

Here is a link that might be useful: Pruning tomatoes

I've always relied on a hefty ring of hog wire, about 4 feet high, for my tomato cages. As the plant grows, it's very easy to pull the branches through the wire for support; no ties ever necessary. You can also purchase good cages to serve the same purpose.

I agree with catbird, too....be sure that you aren't overdoing it with the nitrogen. It's a common mistake.

These are so helpful. Thank you so much -- I've got some work to do.

I had read about nitrogen before I planted. In fact, I didn't use any fertilizer, but I did use a lot of compost and composted manure in the soil. Is it possible that the nitrogen is too high in that?

Again, thanks (I think you both have helped me out before, so all sorts of appreciation to you)

I don't think the manure and compost would add much nitrogen. The tomato guru at our Master Gardener greenhouse said to use those with peat moss and good potting soil without fertilizer. You can find fertilizers with low nitrogen and should probably add some every couple of weeks. They do need a little nitrogen, just mostly phosphorus and potassium.