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  • #1

    Cutting off tomato leaves to let in light

    I have some toms in the greenhouse with very healthy growth and flowers. The Trouble is it is getting a bit crowded and light is now limited because of the leaf growth. Am I ok cutting some of the leaves off as a friend once told me his dad swore by doing this to get really good crops ? If anyone else can confirm this helps I would be interested.

    Thanks
    Last edited by Marb67; 19-07-2015, 08:42 PM.
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  • #2
    You're fine to cut off the lower leaves, I try not to yet as I like the idea of maximising photosynthesis as long as possible but have had to in the last when I've planted too close, you are likely to have more problems due to poor air circulation if you don't do something.

    Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.

    Which one are you and is it how you want to be?

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    • #3
      I have done it with all mine but also don't know if I should.
      No matter:the allotment is lovely, the tadpoles have legs, my sea kale has germinated and I am glad to be home.

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      • #4
        When the fruit has set I do start to trim them. I start at the bottom with the oldest leaves first and take a couple of branches from each plant, always making sure there is plenty of good foliage left. It improves air circulation and helps prevent disease.
        Potty by name Potty by nature.

        By appointment of VeggieChicken Member of the Nutters club.


        We hang petty thieves and appoint great ones to public office.

        Aesop 620BC-560BC

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        • #5
          I do - all the lower ones up to the first truss, over a period of a few weeks.
          Le Sarramea https://jgsgardening.blogspot.com/

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          • #6
            I take off all the leaves that are showing signs of yellowing and to improve the air flow and reduce the others by cutting each leaf in half. Seems to work.

            BTW congratulations on a success Marb!!!
            Gardening requires a lot of water - most of it in the form of perspiration. Lou Erickson, critic and poet

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            • #7
              I should have said that mine are very close-planted because I am intending to single or double truss.
              No matter:the allotment is lovely, the tadpoles have legs, my sea kale has germinated and I am glad to be home.

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              • #8
                There is more to it than removing leaves to help ripen the tomatoes. If it was that simple why do we find bright red ripe tomatoes in the dark obscure places? I think air circulation is much more important. A tomato plant has more leaves than it needs to do what it has to do,so I definately remove the ones up to the first truss which makes watering easier and then I remove any that seem large and obtrusive to aid air and light flow over the period of their growth. I seem to suffer attacks by tomato hawk moths every year and picking off the grubs is much easier with less leaves.
                photo album of my garden in my profile http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...my+garden.html

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                • #9
                  I take off the lower leaves too - for the same air circulation/makes it easier to water reasons. I don't think it does any harm.
                  http://mudandgluts.com - growing fruit and veg in suburbia

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                  • #10
                    Yeah I take a few branches off the bottom of my plants every week just about.

                    Like has been said, it makes watering easier and helps with airflow (so I've heard/read).

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                    • #11
                      I too have taken leaves off my tomatoes, first time doing it though.
                      Nannys make memories

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                      • #12
                        I also remove all bottom branches up to the first fruit.

                        Additionally, I remove 'suckers' - the growth between the branch and the stem (making sure it's not actually fruit branches.

                        Does anyone cut the top of the stem when you consider the plant big enough ?
                        .......because you're thinking of putting the kettle on and making a pot of tea perhaps, you old weirdo. (Veggie Chicken - 25/01/18)

                        My Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnC..._as=subscriber

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                        • #13
                          I cut the top off at for or five trusses
                          Nannys make memories

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                          • #14
                            Pinch out the leader at 5 trusses for standard toms and 6 trusses for cherries.
                            Potty by name Potty by nature.

                            By appointment of VeggieChicken Member of the Nutters club.


                            We hang petty thieves and appoint great ones to public office.

                            Aesop 620BC-560BC

                            sigpic

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                            • #15
                              When i pinch out what i think is the main stem, the plant just seems to grow in other places and still seems to grow up! Any advice?

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