When to prune tomato leaves

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Trimming the leaves of tomatoes is extremely important when cultivating a crop. Let's consider how to carry out the procedure correctly.

Pruning tomato leaves

The importance of pruning

Tomato leaves are one of the most important plant organs. They are responsible for processes such as:

• absorption of nutrients;
• breath;
• temperature regulation;
• evaporation of moisture.

Pruning the leaves of tomatoes improves air circulation in the bush. The procedure helps the plant to redirect forces from the growth of greenery to the formation of fruits and prevents the development of putrefactive diseases.

With the removal of excess green mass, the fruits become larger, their ripening time decreases.

When to prune

Trimming the leaves of tomatoes is carried out, taking into account a number of recommendations.

• The first pruning is carried out during the dive of the seedlings. The lower plates are cut off so that 1/3 of the total mass remains. Do this to strengthen the root system.
• Pruning is carried out if the seedlings are too elongated. In this case, properly cut off the bottom greens, and put the seedlings on the ground and deepen.
• First of all, old leaves of tomatoes are cut off: they turn yellow and often become stained, which contributes to the development of fungal diseases. The stains are especially dangerous for tomatoes growing in the greenhouse.
• The greenery growing in the darkened part of the bush takes little part in photosynthesis, so it is also removed.
• The greenery growing below the first fruiting brush is removed. This procedure has a positive effect on the development and quality of the fetus.
• Cut off the greens over the grown fruits. Tomato fruits themselves participate in the process of photosynthesis, so they do not need additional shade.
• Remove one half of the plate if this part is in the shade and does not participate in photosynthesis.
• It is advised to remove new shoots, as they take away the strength of the plant and contribute to the improper development of the fruit.

If the seedlings are grown according to all the rules, they look good, do not carry out any pruning!

How to prune

Follow the recommendations

• Pruning is done with disinfected scissors or pruning shears. Also, the leaves are cut off, pressing the base up, carefully so as not to damage the stem.
• The frequency of the procedure carried out depends on the rate of development of the seedling. The yellowed lower leaves are harvested about once every 15 days. Pruning of the main mass begins after the formation of small fruits. Sluggish foliage is removed as it appears. In greenhouse growing conditions, pruning begins earlier.
• In the open field, pruning is carried out in the morning. So, in a day, the wound has time to dry out and tighten, which does not allow the development of gray rot. Tomatoes are not pruned in the evening or on a rainy day.
• Trimming the leaves of tomatoes in the greenhouse is done at any time. The only condition is the cancellation of airing on that day.
• Remove no more than 3 sheets at a time.
• After harvesting, the first clusters are pruned to the second, and then to the third fruit ovary.Above the third brush, it is better not to prune, because, left without greenery, the seedling will die.
• At the very end, the top of the bush is cut off. They choose one ovary, leave a little greenery on it, remove everything else: this way the tomato spends more energy on nutrition and fruit growth.

Only remove diseased, injured or old foliage! Don't get carried away with pruning. All plant leaves work to form the crop.

Bush formation

The formation of the bush depends on the variety of tomato:

• determinant;
• goesterminate;
• superdeterminant.

On a tall variety, 1-3 stems are formed, the stepson is left under the first flower brush. To remove it correctly, press the base against the stem and pull it up so as not to damage the stem. The lower leaves are removed until the height from the soil to the foliage is about 30 cm. Plucking will prevent fungal diseases, provide access to light and air to the plant stem.

As soon as about 8 brushes have formed on the plant, the top is cut off.

Determinant variety

The determinant variety is distinguished by the formation of a fruiting cluster after a 5-7-leaf blade. Having formed 4-5 brushes, these varieties stop growth. To extend the fruiting period, the growth point is transferred to the lateral shoot.

Determinant variety

An indeterminate tomato variety forms only one shoot. The first fruiting brush is formed after the 10-11-leaf blade. To increase yields, side shoots are removed. The removal of the stepsons is done after the formation of one flower brush on them. This procedure is performed once a week.

Superdeterminate variety

Superdeterminate variety is distinguished by early maturity and small growth, no more than 60 cm. The first flower cluster is formed after 6-7 leaves. After the formation of 4 inflorescences, the growth of shoots is limited. There are three ways to form a superdeterminant variety:

• remove all lateral shoots and form one stem;
• leave the stepson from the first inflorescence and get 2 stems;
• form 3 stems, if you leave the stepsons of the first and second inflorescences.

Conclusion

Pruning tomato leaves is an important procedure to ensure a good harvest. It improves the access of light to all fruits, shortens the ripening time. Also, circumcision is important as a disease prevention, especially in the greenhouse.