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Post by Jardack on Apr 24, 2009 19:15:15 GMT
I know I should know this but I don't so... I grew toms last year and when my nan came over she had a moan about me not doing something - snipping off leaves or something... So, as I have 2 lovely new ones please can anyone point me in the right direction (with pics if poss!) of what I am supposed to be doing with them so I don't get told off again! Thank you Jardack  |
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Post by Spruance on Apr 24, 2009 19:39:50 GMT
It depends on the tomato variety Jardack but I suspect that what your nan was referring to was pinching out sideshoots. The reason for doing this is to concentrate the vigour of the plant into the main stem. Otherwise sideshoots left in place will simply grow into mini tomato plants and will in turn produce their own sideshoots. This saps the strength of the plant and will have a bearing on fruit size. My own plants aren't at this stage of growth yet but this online photo should give you the right idea. Essentially you should be looking for small growths between the main stem and side branches......  ... but, don't do this if your plants are tumblers or hanging basket plants. So if you could identify the plant varieties it would be useful.  |
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Post by Rosefriend on Apr 25, 2009 14:18:45 GMT
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Post by Ladygardener on Apr 26, 2009 8:24:11 GMT
Thanks for that link RF there's always loads to learn is'nt there, even if you've grown things before. I think describing the sideshoots as hairy armpits is very good and helps me identify which ones they are.  |
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Post by Jardack on Apr 26, 2009 18:58:04 GMT
Thanks everyone and that is a great link!
The tomatoes are Moneymaker so will read the link through and hopefully get it right!
Jardack
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2009 19:29:34 GMT
Jardack
You'll definitely need to pinch out the side shoots if they're moneymaker.
I do it, and I also pinch out the tip when I've got 4 or 5 trusses so that they don't grow any more but put all their energy into making fruit. You might want to think about giving them a feed with tomorite or something similar when they're really growing (I think it's after they've set the first truss).
FA x
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Post by fozzie on Apr 26, 2009 20:55:59 GMT
If you treat those shoots, that you pinch out as per Spus reply, as cuttings. You will have a lot more Moneymaker plants.
Foz
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Post by Pharmer Phil on Apr 27, 2009 21:24:17 GMT
During the hot growing season, the plants and suckers grow quickly, sometimes getting quite large...some. myself included, do what is called "Missouri Prune" here in the states. Missouri pruning is the way to go when the side shoots (suckers) have gotten ahead of the busy gardener. With large suckers, it's better to pinch off just the tip than to cut off the whole thing close to the main stem. removing just the growing tip is less of a shock to the plant and it leaves the foliage for photosynthesis. here is a graphic of both types of pruning  |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Apr 28, 2009 8:32:53 GMT
... here in the states. Missouri pruning is the way to go when the side shoots (suckers) have gotten ahead of the busy gardener. With large suckers, it's better to pinch off just the tip than to cut off the whole thing close to the main stem. removing just the growing tip is less of a shock to the plant and it leaves the foliage for photosynthesis. hi Phil, is there any regeneration from the intersections? Shock aside, I can see extra leaves can work for the plant and that may translate through to earlier/heavier crops, so Missouri Pruning could be a revelation: usually, stopping the plant from producing more trusses than it can handle is the problem - maybe you can get an extra truss with those extra leaves...? OM. |
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Post by Ladygardener on May 9, 2009 8:35:19 GMT
It's always interesting to pick up tips from other people and countries, I've never heard of Missouri Pruning.
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Post by flowersfriend on Jun 12, 2009 17:39:30 GMT
I have never heard if Missouri Prunning either. Seems like a good idea, I think I might try it on one plant and see how it goes.
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