Tomatoes are one of the favorite summer crops that both professional and novice gardeners love to grow. And there’s a good reason why: there’s no better taste than a freshly picked tomato enjoyed straight from the vine.
To get the full potential from your tomato plants, they need to be ‘pinched out’. But what exactly does it involve, why does it benefit your end harvest, and when should you do it?
Let me explain all you need to know about pinching out tomatoes.
What is 'pinching-out'?
Pinching out tomatoes refers to removing the side shoots, which Paola Tombini, an Italian tomato farmer for Cirio1856, previously told Tom's Guide, is “a small new stem that grows in the ‘V’ between the main stem and a leaf branch on a tomato plant.”
According to Tombini, “Removing side shoots encourages plants to grow upwards, which can lead to taller plants, better airflow around the fruit, and a more abundant crop.”
So, instead of wasting energy on leaf production, the focus is on fruit production, while improved airflow helps to discourage unwanted fungal diseases.
Know your type before you pinch
Before you start removing all the side shoots on your tomato plants, it’s not necessary for certain varieties. While pinching out is recommended on vines, cordons and indeterminates, you don’t need to follow the same process for bush or trailing varieties.
In this instance, pinching out the side shoots would reduce the harvest, as the side shoots, instead of growing endless leaves, stop at a flower cluster. While bushy varieties grow to a predetermined size, the side shoots help support the fruit’s weight.
How to pinch out tomato shoots
It’s easy to pinch out the shoots when they are small. All you need to do is nip your finger and thumb together and pinch the shoot. If the shoots have been left a bit longer, you may need to use pruning shears, but do make sure they are clean and sharp to avoid damaging the plant.
It’s best to catch the shoots when they are young, as there’s less likelihood of damaging the plant.
When to start pinching out a tomato plant
You can start pinching out your tomato plants soon after planting, once they reach about 12 inches in height.
Then, since tomatoes are fast-growing, it’s best to check on your plants at least twice a week and pinch them out before the shoots become too large. You can then dispose of the waste in your compost.
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