When and how to pinch out tomato shoots depending on the type

The benefits of pinching out side shoots

Not all novice gardeners know when to properly remove side shoots, and most importantly, how and why. If side shoots are not removed, the plants will become dense thickets with low yields. Therefore, this technique is essential, but it must be used in a way that ensures the plant receives all the nutrients it needs for growth.

Pinching out side shoots can be defined as the process of removing excess lateral shoots emerging from the leaf axils. These shoots absorb all the minerals, resulting in fruit not developing.

To properly remove side shoots, you need to learn to distinguish a plant's lateral shoot from its leaf. Carefully inspect the plant. The leaf grows from the stem, while the side shoot emerges from the leaf itself.

This side shoot becomes a full-fledged shoot, producing leaves. Unwanted shoots should be removed small, up to 5 centimeters long. When shoots are young, they don't draw much energy from the plant's roots. Many people ask, "How do I side shoot tomatoes?" The procedure is simple. The easiest way is to break off the side shoots by hand.

It's best to use rubber gloves and follow this procedure: pinch the shoot with two fingers—thumb and index—and then wiggle it back and forth until it snaps off. Alternatively, you can remove side shoots with scissors or a knife. Sometimes, a new shoot will form where the removed one was. In this case, the procedure should be repeated. Otherwise, the plant will become overloaded and new shoots will appear constantly.

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Deadlines

The procedure for removing side shoots is simple, so determining the timing is fairly easy. If side shoots have appeared on the bushes, remove them. Unwanted shoots appear most quickly after the flower clusters. It's quite difficult to perform this method in a greenhouse if you haven't removed side shoots in a while.

In this case, it's difficult to distinguish a side shoot from a true stem. So, take note: the shoot most often grows from the first flower cluster. In a greenhouse, it's best to perform the operation in the morning, as side shoots are easily removed at this time of day. Furthermore, within a day, there won't be a trace of the removal! To prevent the spread of various diseases between plants, remove the unwanted shoot carefully, avoiding its sap getting on your hands.

How to properly pinch off stepsons

Pinching out tomato side shoots is a simple procedure; any gardener can learn how to do it correctly.The process is simple. First, you need to decide:

• how often do you plan to perform the procedure (preferably once every 7-10 days);
• how many stems will be in the bush (1, 2, 3).

Forming a single-stemmed bush is the most suitable option for a greenhouse. All shoots are removed, even those that formed when the stem splits. Flower clusters, on the other hand, are left. When forming two stems, the main shoot and the first lateral shoot (strong and fast-growing) are left. This is usually located under the first flower cluster.

To form a three-stemmed bush, you need to leave the shoot that formed under the first flower cluster and one strong, fast-growing shoot. To ensure successful results when pinching tomatoes, you should consider the specific characteristics of the tomato variety. Each variety has its own characteristics.

All varieties can be divided into indeterminate, semi-determinate, and determinate. Indeterminate tomatoes grow indefinitely and therefore require support. Their bushes are trained into a single stem. This can be explained by the tendency of indeterminate varieties to produce as many lateral shoots as possible (Shaman F1, for example, is a very branchy variety).

Experts recommend removing side shoots and leaving a centimeter-long "stump" in the place of the removed shoot. This will slow down the emergence of new side shoots. If space allows, this variety can be trained into two-stemmed bushes. To do this, leave one side shoot, then earth up and mulch the bush. Leave a few flower clusters on the second shoot. The remaining side shoots should be removed.

Semi-determinate tomatoes are also tall and require support. They can be trained into two or three stems, but only if they are not planted densely. With semi-determinate tomatoes, the main stem may stop growing after side shoots are removed. Therefore, if these tomatoes are dominant in a greenhouse or garden, there's no need to remove all side shoots at once. If the main stem has truly stopped growing, the bush can be trained with multiple side shoots.

Determinate tomato varieties grow shorter than their counterparts. They generally don't require side shoot removal or special care. When growing determinate tomatoes, it's best to consult with experts.

Determinate tomato varieties grown with a single stem can be harvested relatively early. Simply remove the side stems, leaving a few florets. Leave a few leaves below them, and break off the top of determinate tomatoes.

Determinate tomatoes and their hybrids, which do not rapidly grow tall, can produce numerous side shoots. Examples include the Lyalyafa F1 and Blagovest F1 varieties. The green parts of the plants will decrease after fruiting. This can be done by removing the shoots before the first cluster, but such plants can be left without side shoots. Examples include the Boni M, Ground Rocket, and Yamal tomato varieties.

In general, removing side shoots from determinate plants is more necessary in greenhouses or hotbeds, as it leads to a decrease in yield in open areas. However, there are varieties that don't require side shoot removal but, with proper care, produce a bountiful harvest. Should you remove side shoots from tomatoes? It's essential if you want a good harvest.

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