From this…..
to this …….
I’ve gawn and shorn the Sungolds.
I first read about the French method of pruning tomatoes in Living the Life in St Aignan and then in response to my post on Spacing Tomatoes Holylandswain recommended removing the lower leaves to maintain air circulation around closely spaced plants.
I did a bit more research and found this article on pruning tomatoes which recommended removing leaves from the bottom 8 to 12 inches of the plant.
Enough to convince me to have a go.
I chose the 3 Sungolds in the giant sized growbag as they were spaced12 inches apart, unruly and becoming entangled. I started tentatively enough, a little snip here and a little snap there. But personality will out and once started I’m not inclined to leave alone. A squeezer of spots, a popper of bubble wrap and now a scalper of tomato plants.
Will it be the making or the breaking of the Sungolds ? Will they be glad to be rid of their excess green baggage or is this a cut too far?
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I did the exact same thing to my tomatoes today – I hope I haven’t done for them! Ah well, we shall see…
Good luck with your plants : )
Hello Rachael, Thank you for getting in touch.
I had a look at the pruned Sungolds this morning and although it might just be wishful thinking I think the leaves left on look more vibrant and the plants look better !
I am going to tidy up a few more today but perhaps a little less severely just in case !
That’s quite a haircut you’ve dished out.
As my ex would say “bloddy ‘ell” (she’s French)!
My vines are looking really healthy and I’m reluctant to prune them even though I know it will lead to better fruit, I think the secret with lots of leaves is to water well! I remove the lower leaves when they start to look a bit manky and am already wondering at what point I stop the growth upwards.
At least I know why 2 plants per growbag is often advised rather than the 3 stated on the bag – looks a little crowded in there now…..
Hello Nick.
I was reluctant to prune too and look what happened – so be warned !
When the plants were emerging as seedlings, there I was counting each new leaf and now I’m secateur happy ! I’ve done a little bit more today on a few others but not as drastic, sticking as you say to the not so good lower leaves.
Growing Tips and when to stop are on my list of things to find out more about – so any info – gratefully received.
Sally, the general consensus seems to be to break off the growing tip once the plant has 6 or 7 trusses.
Leaf pruning should help the plant produce better fruit though perhaps not as ruthlessly as you demonstrated!