From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Burt NY

Once you have a fruit set , How much of the plant do you trim back ?

7/22/2019 8:27:17 AM

Lebanon, Oregon

I’m sure there are many thoughts on this. What may work for one person may not work for someone else. So many variables. I tend to experiment on different plants and measure growth. Trimming does increase growth but how much do you trim off? If you have a small plant how small is too small after trimming?

The plant needs leaves for energy. So this year I’m thinking I’ll grow the hell out of the plant. Big as possible before tomato set. Big plant, big roots. The whole plant is machine. Then tomato set. Then go around and cut every growth tip. I’m thinking the plant likes the smaller newer leaves as they are fresh and may do better with photosynthesis rather than the old crusty leaves that have had exposure and foliar sprays. This is what I’m trying this year.

7/22/2019 1:38:01 PM

Wixom MI.

Their are different pruning meathods growers use. The meathod that works best for me is to top the plant 3 leaves above the set tomato. Also i prune off all the branches growing from the main stem leaving only the main stem.

7/22/2019 4:18:39 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

I have been asked in email many times about this. I do not know the answer. I think that the top growers all are using a bit different pruning techniques. I have tried everything from extreme pruning(only main stem and one leaf+ fruit) to letting the plant grow wild. This year, I think that will not top the plants until about 2 -3 week after tomato set. Some I may not top. Plant must have more energy than a small tomato can utilize. In the past, I have pruned down as wixom...leaving just one main stem. I am interested in Garden Rebels method of letting the first suckers grow. More megas would be an advantage. I don't think any of us know for sure the best pruning method.

7/22/2019 8:19:21 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

One thing for sure, the suckers that grow off the branches (pedicle) all go.
You can get a fruit off them but not a competitive one.

7/28/2019 4:24:40 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

Another thing that is interesting is the continued growth of the blossom trusses.
I used to think that a blossom truss was just that but what I am seeing with many of my plants is that the blossom trusses have a growing tip & will eventually look like an additional main & go on to produce additional blossom trusses.

7/28/2019 4:30:10 PM