Growing tomatoes at home is one of the most rewarding experiences for anyone who takes up gardening, whether in a large garden or just a few plots. flower pots on the terrace.
Although it seems that planting and watering are all it takes, those of us who have been getting our hands dirty for a while know that there are technical details that make the difference between having a few small tomatoes or a truly spectacular and juicy harvest.
To ensure the plant doesn't get out of control and performs at its best, there are various maintenance tasks that go beyond simple fertilization. We're talking about techniques such as... tutored, hilling or manual pollination, but above all pruning.
Know manage the growth of the tomato plant This is the real secret to preventing the plant from wasting energy on unnecessary leaves and focusing on what interests us: large, healthy fruit.
The art of pruning: Shoot removal, leaf removal and topping
Not all plant trimming is the same. Depending on which part we cut and when we cut it, we'll be applying a different technique. Outbreak removal is the most recurring task, consisting of eliminating the famous "hickeys".
These are shoots that grow in the leaf axils, between the main stem and the leaf, at an angle of about 45 degrees. If left unchecked, the plant branches excessively, and the resulting tomatoes are usually small and of lower quality.
On the other hand, defoliation consists of removing the leaves that are no longer needed. It is vital to remove the yellowing or withered leavesespecially those closest to the ground. This not only optimizes nutrients but also allows air to circulate better around the base, preventing moisture from stagnating and attracting disease.
Finally, we come to topping. Unlike bud removal, which is done continuously, topping is a one-off action. It consists of cut the tip of the main stem (the apical bud) when we know that the season is over and the plant will no longer have time to ripen new tomatoes.
By doing this, we force the plant to stop growing upwards. to focus all their energy on gaining weight tomatoes that are already formed.
When is the ideal time to intervene?
Timing is key to avoiding mistakes. Pruning should be done frequently, ideally once or twice a week while the plant is in full growth.
It is recommended to act when the hickeys measure between 5 and 10 centimeters; if they are very small, they can be removed simply by pressing with the finger and nail, but if they have already grown, it is better to use scissors.
Defoliation is an ongoing maintenance process. We must remove the basal leaves as soon as the fruit of the first bunch begins to ripen. We shouldn't overdo the pruning, since the leaves are responsible for photosynthesis and... protect the tomatoes from the sun direct, preventing them from burning.
As for the topping, it's done only once. The exact moment is when we observe that There is not enough time in the agricultural calendar so that late flowers become ripe fruit.
For example, in areas with short seasons, to nurture the new flowers In late summer, it prevents the plant from continuing to waste energy on fruit that will never ripen before the first frosts.
Beware of the variety: Not all tomatoes are the same.
This is where the controversy arises and where many beginners get confused. Not all tomato plants are pruned the same way because there are two types of growth. indeterminate growth tomatoes (like the cherry or the raf) grow non-stop and require constant pruning of suckers to avoid becoming an impenetrable jungle.
However, the determinate growth tomatoes (like some pear or industrial varieties) have a natural height limit. In these cases, pruning the suckers could be a huge mistake, as we would be eliminating part of the production potential. These plants are ideal for 15 to 20 liter pots and it's best to leave them "on their own," allowing them to produce as much flowering as possible.
Practical tips and home remedies for safe pruning
- Total hygiene: Always sterilize your scissors before moving from one plant to another to avoid spreading fungi or viruses.
- The order matters: Ideally, prune before watering. If you water first, the water can introduce pathogens into the open wounds of the stem.
- Lunar cycle: Some traditional farmers suggest pruning in waning moonbecause the sap descends and the plant is less stressed, healing faster.
- Post-care: After pruning, applying a homemade fungicide to the cuts and ensuring good ventilation helps the plant recover quickly.
A very clever trick is to reuse the suckers we've removed. Instead of throwing them away, we can put them in a glass of water or plant them directly. obtain clones of the mother plant.
Furthermore, if we chop healthy branches and let them macerate in water for six days in the shade, we obtain a natural insecticide rich in alkaloids which is a miracle cure against aphids or cabbage butterflies.
Successful tomato cultivation requires daily observation of the plant and adjusting pruning according to the variety and climate. Maintaining a balance between removing unproductive parts and preserving photosynthetic capacity ensures a successful harvest. ensure optimal ventilationso that the fruit grows strong and the orchard remains free of pests and diseases.
