cutting leaves off tomatoes

DadBear · « **on:** June 09, 2007, 15:45 »

Greetings all, I hope the fine weather we are having here in worcestershire is extending itself to you all ! Is it wise to remove the non flowering lower limbs of a tomato plant (even though they have leaves on ). I have read that this practise causes an increase of air flow through the plant... I suppose, if they are not set to fruit, they are superflous to needs. I imagine , however, that some non flowering/fruiting limbs are required for the process of photosynthesis... What do you all do/think? Kind Regards, DB

DD. · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2007, 17:00 »

By limbs, do you mean side shoots?

If so, and the tomato is not a bush variety, they need to come off, otherwise the plant will expend it's energy in producing these shoots at the cost of the fruit.

I think this need to be in the 'Grow Your Own' forum, by the way.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2007, 20:07 »

Moved it for you DD.

When do you start to remove the lower leaves of taomato plants :?:

DD. · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2007, 20:34 »

Quote from: "Aunt Sally"

Moved it for you DD.

When do you start to remove the lower leaves of taomato plants :?:

Thanks...

Don't know about taomato plants, but I take the leaves off the tomato plants when they start to turn yellow - not much good for anything then!

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2007, 20:36 »

Quote from: "Digger Dave"

Quote from: "Aunt Sally"
When do you start to remove the lower leaves of taomato plants :?:

Don't know about taomato plants, but I take the leaves off the tomato plants when they start to turn yellow - not much good for anything then!

:roll: I've really picked up Munty speak haven't I :roll:

agapanthus · « **Reply #5 on:** June 09, 2007, 21:39 »

Quote from: "Aunt Sally"

Quote from: "Digger Dave"
Quote from: "Aunt Sally"
When do you start to remove the lower leaves of taomato plants :?:

Don't know about taomato plants, but I take the leaves off the tomato plants when they start to turn yellow - not much good for anything then!

:roll: I've really picked up Munty speak haven't I :roll:

mercury · « **Reply #6 on:** June 09, 2007, 21:44 »

Only remove the leaves from below a truss that has set fruit

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2007, 21:45 »

That sounds logical mercury. Thanks

DadBear · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2007, 18:19 »

OK, so out with the sharp knifeand all sideshoots below the first fruit truss get the chop..right?.. then lots more tomatoes.....

DD. · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2007, 19:59 »

Quote from: "DadBear"

OK, so out with the sharp knifeand all sideshoots below the first fruit truss get the chop..right?.. then lots more tomatoes.....

No ALL side shoots get the chop, unless it's a bush variety. Remove lower leaves when they start to yellow.

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