Tomatoes ... did you know,

[Lady Willow]

Annpann

Unless your tomaotes are a bush variety (most aren't), you need to rub out the side shoots as they form.

Side shoots are what grow between the main stem of the plant and the leaves on the stem. If you don't rub them out they will go on to form sideshoots and all of the plant's energy will be taken up with leavy growth, rather than forming tomaotes?

This picture (from google images) shows side shoots just starting to form .. hope it helps (yours are likely to be bigger than these)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/ ... _LoRes.jpg

[AXJ]

I am confused (as usual ) - do you take the leaves off? so that you just have a long stalk? Or do you take off the 'branches'?

I have been reading that you take off the 'side shoots' but I am just not sure what that means - my tomato plants are about 10 inches tall now, no signs of flowers and I haven't taken anything off yet - as I don't want to peel of the wrong thing and damage the plant

I'm appreciate a little clarification from the experts too.. thanks

[Annpan]

Annpann

Unless your tomaotes are a bush variety (most aren't), you need to rub out the side shoots as they form.

Side shoots are what grow between the main stem of the plant and the leaves on the stem. If you don't rub them out they will go on to form sideshoots and all of the plant's energy will be taken up with leavy growth, rather than forming tomaotes?

This picture (from google images) shows side shoots just starting to form .. hope it helps (yours are likely to be bigger than these)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/ ... _LoRes.jpg

Thankyou - I don't think my plants have any though I'll take a closer look when I get a chance.

Just to clarify - the main bits that stick out of the stalk are fine to leave in place? (these, I call leaves but they are more like shoots with several leaves sprouting off of them.... right) But you should pinch out the second stalk that appears from the stem at the same place?

That is what the picture looked like, 2 growths from the same point and you pinch out the second one.





I am so grateful for 'ish

[andyt]

Hi Annpan,your'e on course for good toms. Don't forget to add foodstuff to water,once a week,once the trusses are flowering.Enjoy!

[AXJ]

got it, thanks.. now for some Tomato haircuts LoL

[Lady Willow]

Just to clarify - the main bits that stick out of the stalk are fine to leave in place? (these, I call leaves but they are more like shoots with several leaves sprouting off of them.... right) But you should pinch out the second stalk that appears from the stem at the same place?

Spot on

Be vigilant though, side shoots can sprout up very quickly ... be suspicious if you see very vigorous growth anywhere but the top of the plant .. it will be of a different quality and slight colour difference to the rest of the lower plant ... this is a dead giveaway that you've missed a side shoot and it's growing like mad.

If you do miss a side shoot and it grows very big with a big thick stem ... like a second plant almost ... don't cut it off, as this might be a bit of a shock to the plant ... just pinch out the growing tip.

It sounds a bit complicated, but it's dead quick and easy once you know what you're looking for.

If you're still not sure, let me know and I'll post up a photo of one of my plants with the side shoots highlighted.

[AXJ]

I found this very useful page for illustrations.

http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/ho ... atoes.aspx