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Tomato side shoots
Native58
Posts: 46
in Fruit & veg
Hi all
Sorry, it's me again with yet another question.
I grew tomatoes successfully last year, some in the greenhouse and some outside. I got loads of fruit and very few pests, apart from the odd slug or snail snacking on a fruit.
I've now read that I should take out the side shoots on my tomatoes to make bushier, sturdier plants with more fruit.
This question will let you know how much of a greenhorn I am with gardening - what are side shoots, where do they grow on the plant and how do I remove them?
thanks
0
Posts
But you don't need to take out the sideshoots on all tomatoes - some are described as "bush" varieties, as they naturally branch. These should have their side shoots left alone.
Removing side shoots from "cordon" tomatoes" (you could google the varieties you have to see if they're cordon or bush sorts) is done to improve the size and quality of the fruit they produce. If the side shoots are allowed to grow, the plant puts too much energy into shoots and leaves, and not enough into the fruit. When you take out the side shoots you actually get a LESS bushy plant, which you need to tie to a support or it'll fall over.
When you're looking for the side shoots, make sure you're not pinching out a flower shoot instead. As Runnybeak says, the ones you want to remove look like a small tomato plant, with leaves on. I'm sure you'll find photos or video on the internet.