Leaves are the same full-fledged plant organs like the stem and root system. Therefore, many gardeners are thinking about whether it is necessary to prune tomatoes. Fresh, well-developed leaves help the bush to grow and feed, while old ones are a breeding ground for various diseases.
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What leaves can you pick
Over time, the foliage turns yellow, dries up, becomes covered with all kinds of spots. It will no longer bring any benefit to the growing body and must be removed immediately. It is believed that it is necessary to thin out the bushes:
- facing north;
- growing in the depths of the greenhouse;
- in the shade of neighboring plants.
In the reference books for growing tomatoes, it is indicated: the shoots in the tomato brush must also be removed. However, this is done only when the fruits are already in the ovary. Excess greens prevent the berries from developing fully, therefore, it is imperative to pick off the leaves.
Organization of the process of removing unnecessary greenery
Not everyone knows how to properly stop excess shoots. When we break off the leaves from tomatoes, it is important to observe the following rules: press the cutting at the base and pull the leaf up. If you do the opposite, a long strip of skin will come off the stem, and the tomato will wither away from the wound.
The first to remove the leaves in contact with the ground, and after a few days, pinch off those from below, above the ground. At the same time, only a few sheets are cut off at a time, since this procedure causes severe stress in the plant. Depending on the growth rate of tomato, either 2-3 or 5-6 pieces are harvested in one processing session.
Experienced growers remove excess greens 2 times a week. An adult stem with ripening fruits is recommended to be peeled no more than 20-30 cm from the ground. In this case, tomatoes will receive the amount of light and air necessary for their life.
If all the berries are tied in the brush, then absolutely all the foliage can be removed below it. If there is no ovary, then 2-3 leaves must be left in order not to disturb the sap flow.
Special processing
In order to avoid rotting, the cut sites are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or activated carbon is used. Work is carried out in rubber gloves: dead leaves are cut off, excess greens are carefully cut off with a sharp knife. After processing one bush, the tool and hands are rinsed with clean water so as not to infect the entire plantation with pathogens.
In regions where summer ends quickly, pinch the tops of tomatoes. This is done in late July or early August due to the fact that in the future the berries will no longer have time to ripen. Although bare plants do not look very beautiful, such prevention will protect them from disease.
Removing leaves from tomatoes plays an important role in the formation of fruits. The event must be carried out correctly and in a timely manner. A well-treated bush is the key to a good harvest.
Do you pick leaves from tomatoes?
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Read about feeding tomatoes in the following article:How to feed tomatoes to be large and grow faster