Why to remove leaves from tomatoes and how to do it correctly: not everyone knows about it

An experienced gardener knows the answers to all questions, including why to remove leaves from vegetable crops.

Tomatoes, among others, undergo this procedure. It is believed that it significantly increases the yield and protects against diseases.

Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti" - a scientist, agronomist and landscape designer, told whether it is necessary to pick off tomato leaves and how to do it correctly.

Why is this necessary?

Simply picking off the leaves of tomatoes is not a scientific approach, but rather sabotage.

At the same time, a competent approach can improve air circulation, which will reduce the risk of developing diseases.

In addition, the plant begins to spend energy and nutrients not on the tops, but on the growth and ripening of fruits.

How to delete correctly

First of all, you need to understand that you can only remove excess leaves.

Considering that photosynthesis depends on the amount of foliage, it is difficult to understand which ones are unnecessary and which are not. Here is a hint.

1. Usually the lower tier is cut off, that is, everything that is close to the ground.

Photosynthesis does not depend on them, and diseases and pests attack these shoots first.

2. The same is done with the leaves that cover the fruits from the sun.

Tomatoes ripened in the shade taste worse and take longer to ripen.

3. Leaves should not be torn off, but cut with pruning shears or scissors, which are sterilized before use.

Moreover, this should be done in the morning and only on a sunny day – plants are less susceptible to stress at this time and wounds heal better.

4. Do not remove all the excess leaves at once - this can cause harm.

Be sure to step back a little from the stem so that a small part of the shoot remains.

5. To calculate the exact number of leaves to remove, you need to leave at least 2 leaves above each inflorescence.

It depends on the variety

Special attention should be paid to tomatoes that grow in a greenhouse. There is high humidity here and tomatoes need good ventilation.

And on disease-resistant tomatoes, minimal pruning is carried out.

It is important to consider all factors before you begin caring for tomatoes.