Tomato plants

[robertsa]

New to this; I've some small green toms showing, do I need to do anything other than feed and water,eg doI need to pinch leaves off that have no yellow flowers? Ta

[emeritus]

greenhouse or outdoor ? What Variety ?

[robertsa]

Out doors in a grow bag : sorry I don't know the variety

[stewey]

Pinch off the 'suckers'. These are growths right in the crotch of two branches which if left there will take nutrients from the plant but not develop into a tomato.

[robertsa]

Ta for your time and advice

[emeritus]

If its a bush variety just leave it and feed and water.

If its not you should nip out the side shoots that form at the joints of the leaves and main stem.

Dont remove any foliage although you can remove the bottom leaves up to the first truss of tomatoes if established and this will give more nutrients to the fruit as its forming.

Pinch out the growing tip at the top when you have around 5 trusses on a plant.

[robertsa]

Thanks all

[Clanad]

This might help in understanding the new growth to prune out. http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/how-to/ar ticles/pruning-tomatoes.aspx ...

There are differing opinions (as in all matters gardening) about the efficacy of pruning. The benefits definitley include better air circulation for the plant to help in controlling fungal attacks, as well as earlier and larger fruits. On the down side is the fact that the number of fruits will be diminished.

Don't over-fertilize. just an occasional (every two weeks) light application of a balanced fertiliser will work. Fertilizers will have a series of 3 numbers to designate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Generally speaking, the numbers should be about equal to one another, say 10-10-10 or so. tomatoes like moist but well drained soil, so mulching the soil around the base of the stem with peat moss keeps them happy. Best of luck!

[jwbr]

Ta Clanad.