Want beautiful, large tomatoes? These parts of the plant need to be removed

The tomatoes are already turning red in the garden beds, and we’re looking forward to a great harvest. But even now, in July, we definitely need to take good care of the plants. Otherwise, we probably wouldn’t get a high-quality harvest. It’s not just about watering, but also about removing parts of the plants that simply hinder the growth and development of the fruit. In the following paragraphs, we’ll take a closer look at exactly these parts, describe them, and, of course, show them in our own photos so that everything is crystal clear.

Classic pruning is a must

Pruning tomatoes is a classic practice that’s absolutely essential. Side shoots grow between the main stem and a leaf. These need to be removed as soon as they’ve grown a bit and can be pinched off. It’s not very difficult. Just hold the shoot between your thumb and index finger. Then snap the shoot off to one side, and it’s gone. This allows the plant to channel much more energy into the fruit itself—that is, sweet tomatoes.

Photo: Radek Stepan

Lower suckers

Lower suckers also gradually grow from the plant. These are essentially secondary plants that often sprout both from the lower part of the main plant and from the ground. Here, too, they are connected to the main stem of the tomato plant. Flowers will then begin to form on these side shoots, sapping the plant’s strength. Moreover, they draw energy that should be directed toward the fruit. We must remove them as soon as they start to grow.

Pruning the plant is worth the effort

Like many other types of vegetables, a tomato plant cannot grow to the sky. Traditionally, it is simply pinched back at its highest point so that energy flows back into the fruit and nowhere else. The height at which the plant is pinched depends on its vigor. Traditionally, however, we pinch it back at a height of about 1.8 meters. After all, our spiral trellises—around which the tomato plants climb—are that tall as well. Then we’ll enjoy a great harvest.

Photo: Radek Stepan

Sources: Author—grower

Photo and photogallery: Radek Stepan