PRUNING
PLANT SPECIFICS Tomatoes
trends & technology
PRUNING
Like pinching , this technique redirects a plant ’ s energy . Pruning is proven to increase production , help resist disease , and improve the quality of fruit . Pruning also allows for more sunshine to reach the lower and inner portions of the plant , as well as enhancing airflow , thereby reducing the chance of mold and mildew developing . Pruning is usually more aggressive than pinching and requires tools . To remove gnarly limbs , flowers , vines , and stems , you require a pair of sharp scissors or clippers .
“ PINCHING young suckers is recommended over snipping them as pinched plants heal faster , thus reducing the chance of disease .”
PLANT SPECIFICS Tomatoes
Tomatoes grow on a vine and its suckers grow off that main vine . These suckers , if left to grow , become full stems . As mentioned , a plant with too many stems focuses too much of its energy toward leaf production . So first , cut back the vines , leaving only one or two . Then for fruit-bearing plants , it is recommended you pinch off a third to a half of all suckers . Pinching young suckers is recommended over snipping them as pinched plants heal faster , thus reducing the chance of disease . With determinate tomatoes , which produce all their fruit in one swift cycle , you ’ ll want to pinch only those suckers that appear right below your first fruit cluster if you wish to create a stronger plant .
88 grow cycle