What leaves do you pinch out on tomato plants?
Cordon tomatoes are best grown as single-stemmed plants. However, these vigorous plants naturally produce side-shoots from the joints where leaves sprout from the main stem. These side-shoots should be pinched out to keep plants growing vertically on just one stem.
Should you pinch off the first flowers on tomato plants?
ANSWER: Many gardeners recommend pinching off the first set of flowers a tomato plant produces in late spring, before the plant has been transplanted into the garden.
Should you remove the lower leaves of tomato plants?
If your plants are grown with adequate space between them, light will reach the lower leaves and they don’t have to be removed. When lower leaves start getting yellow it is a sign that they are shutting down and they should be removed before they become a sugar drain on the rest of the plant.
Should I pick the yellow flowers off tomato plants?
Pluck off all blossoms and any fruit for at least a month after transplanting, until the plant is at least two feet tall so it’s forced to direct its energies toward establishing a strong root system.
How tall should I let my tomato plants get?
When the plant reaches the desired height–usually no taller than its support, 4 or 5 feet is good–consistently pinch out all new growing tips. In a week or so time, the plant will quit trying to put out new growth at the topmost part of the plant and concentrate on new growth and fruit below.
Should I remove lower leaves on tomato plants?
Tomato plants send their nutrients to the growing tip (on a tall variety) or tips (on a bush variety) and the lower, older leaves get hardly any food at all! Here’s a good example of old yellow leaves that have been removed. Nothing to worry about, just remove the leaf branches and the rest of the plant will be fine.
How do I stop my tomato plants from growing too tall?
ANSWER: You can prevent your tomatoes from growing too tall by pruning them. Pruning also encourages the plant to grow fruits instead of creating more foliage. Always use clean, sterilized shears when you prune to avoid spreading disease in your garden.