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How to Properly Remove Leaves from Tomatoes and Increase Yield: Gardener's Rule
20.06.2023 05:50
In order to get a good and high-quality tomato harvest, you need to not only plant and water the plants correctly, but also regularly trim and remove excess leaves. Why is this necessary and how to do it correctly?
Why remove leaves from tomatoes
Removing leaves from tomatoes is an important agricultural measure that promotes better development and fruiting of plants.
Among the main reasons and purposes of this procedure, the following can be distinguished.
• Improve ventilation and lighting of bushes. Too dense foliage can prevent free penetration of air and light to stems and fruits, which reduces their immunity and increases the risk of diseases.
• Preventing fungal and bacterial infections. Lower leaves often touch the ground or weeds, which may harbor pathogens. In addition, moisture may accumulate on them during watering or rain, which creates a favorable environment for the growth of fungi.
• Stimulating the formation of ovaries and accelerating the ripening of fruits. Removing excess leaves helps to redistribute nutrients and energy in favor of flowers and ovaries. Thus, tomatoes form more fruits and ripen faster.
• Improving the quality and taste of fruits. Thanks to better lighting and ventilation, fruits receive more light and heat, which has a positive effect on their color, aroma and sugar content.
Which leaves need to be removed?
Removing leaves from tomatoes should be done gradually and carefully so as not to damage the plants and not to cause stress. Depending on the variety, bush formation and growing conditions, different types of leaves can be removed.
• Lower leaves. These are the oldest and most unnecessary leaves, which often turn yellow, dry out or become diseased. They need to be removed regularly, starting from the moment the seedlings are planted in the ground or greenhouse. Usually, all the leaves are removed up to the first fruit cluster or the first flower.
• Stepchildren. These are lateral shoots that grow from the leaf axils on the stem. They take away the plant's strength and energy that could be directed toward forming fruits. They should be removed as they appear, leaving only one or two upper stepsons on the bush.
• Tops. This is the upper part of the stem with leaves and flowers. It should be removed at the end of the season, when the plant has reached a certain height or when a sufficient number of fruit clusters have already formed on it. This promotes faster ripening of the fruits and prevents the bush from overgrowing.
• Diseased or damaged leaves. These are any leaves that show signs of disease or damage from pests, hail or mechanical factors. They should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of infection or contamination of other plants.
When and how to remove leaves
Tomato leaf removal should be done at a specific time and in a specific way so as not to harm the plants.
• Time. It is best to remove excess leaves in the morning or evening, when there is no hot sun or dew. This will prevent overheating or overcooling of the wounds on the stems. In addition, do not carry out the procedure in high humidity or rain, as this can provoke the development of rot or infections.
• Method: It is best to use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove the leaves. This will allow you to cut the foliage neatly without damaging the stem or other parts of the plant. Avoid picking off leaves with your hands or scissors, as this can cause wounds to heal or introduce germs.
• Location. It is best to cut the leaves at a distance of 1-2 cm from the stem. This way you will avoid the formation of hemp - the remainder of the stem with a leaf - which can serve as an entry point for infections or pests.
What not to do when removing leaves
Removing excess leaves from tomatoes is a useful procedure that requires certain knowledge and skills. However, there are mistakes and prohibitions that should be avoided when performing this operation.
• Do not remove all the leaves at once or more than half of the total number. This can lead to stress or weakening of the plant, as well as sunburn on the stems or fruits.
• You cannot remove the top leaves before a certain number of fruit clusters have formed on the bush. This can lead to slower growth or stop the development of the plant. It is better to leave the top until the bush reaches the desired height or when it already has 5-6 clusters.
• Do not remove leaves during flowering or fruit setting. This may disrupt the pollination or fruiting process and reduce the quality and taste of the fruit.
• Do not remove leaves without special need or by intuition. This can lead to excessive leaf loss or deformation of the bush. It is better to follow the recommendations for the variety and growing conditions.
• Do not remove leaves with dirty or blunt tools. This may cause infection of wounds or damage to the stem. It is better to disinfect the knife or pruning shears before each use.
Removing leaves from tomatoes is a simple but important procedure that helps improve the development and fruiting of plants.
If you follow the rules and avoid mistakes when performing this operation, you will be able to get healthy and tasty tomatoes in your garden.
