Stop Removing ALL Suckers! Try This Instead.

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains how proper pruning can significantly increase tomato yields, debunking common gardening myths. By comparing determinant and indeterminate tomatoes, the speaker offers expert tips on pruning methods tailored to each type. Determinant tomatoes benefit from avoiding sucker removal, while indeterminate ones thrive with techniques like leading stems or the 2-L method. The importance of early pruning for cold climates is highlighted, as it helps tomatoes mature before the first frost. With practical insights on disease prevention and efficient trellising methods like the Florida weave, this video encourages gardeners to experiment and find what works best for their specific environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pruning techniques can significantly impact tomato yield, and the approach is often contrary to common gardening advice found online.
• 😀 Determinate tomatoes, like Roma and San Marzano, benefit from minimal pruning, especially avoiding sucker removal.
• 😀 Pruning determinant tomatoes too much can reduce yield since suckers help produce flowers and fruit.
• 😀 Florida weave method is a cost-effective way to trellis determinate tomatoes, but may not be ideal for indeterminate ones in hot climates.
• 😀 Topping tomatoes around 3 to 4 weeks before the first frost can help accelerate fruit maturity in cooler climates.
• 😀 Indeterminate tomatoes can be grown with multiple leading stems (1L or 2L), but it’s important to avoid topping seedlings as it may delay production.
• 😀 A single leading stem (1L) often produces the most uniform, marketable tomatoes, as it directs the plant’s energy to fruit production.
• 😀 Unpruned plants tend to produce more total fruit, but it will mature later, making pruning beneficial for earlier harvests in shorter growing seasons.
• 😀 Pruning helps focus the plant’s photosynthesis energy on fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth, making the process more efficient.
• 😀 Using the 2L method involves keeping a second sucker as a new leader, which helps the plant grow without unnecessary delay in fruiting.

Q & A

Why does the plant in the video have more flowers than the other plant?

The difference in the number of flowers comes down to pruning practices. The right pruning method can significantly impact the yield and flower production of a tomato plant.

What is the key to maximizing yields in tomatoes according to the video?

Maximizing yields involves proper pruning. The video emphasizes that the right approach to pruning, especially when it comes to determinant and indeterminate tomatoes, can drastically affect the fruit production.

What does the video suggest about pruning practices for tomatoes?

The video suggests that pruning should be tailored to the type of tomato plant you have. For determinant tomatoes, it is important not to remove suckers, while for indeterminate tomatoes, pruning can help improve fruit production.

What are determinant tomatoes, and how should they be pruned?

Determinant tomatoes are plants that grow to a certain height and produce fruit all at once. The video advises against pruning the suckers on determinant tomatoes as it can reduce yields. The focus should be on managing disease risks and maintaining airflow by removing lower leaves.

How does pruning affect determinant tomatoes' yield and health?

Pruning determinant tomatoes, especially removing suckers or leaves, may reduce yields because these parts help with photosynthesis and fruit production. However, pruning can help with disease management by improving airflow, especially in areas prone to blight or fungi.

What is the Florida weave method and how is it used for tomatoes?

The Florida weave method is a cheap and effective way to trellis tomatoes. It involves weaving twine between plants to support their growth. This method is particularly beneficial for determinant tomatoes, though it can also be used for indeterminate ones in colder climates with shorter growing seasons.

What is the recommended approach for pruning indeterminate tomatoes?

For indeterminate tomatoes, the video recommends using a 'leading stem' approach where one or two main stems are maintained, and suckers are allowed to grow into secondary stems. Avoid topping seedlings as it may delay fruit production in cooler climates.

How does topping tomatoes affect their growth and yield?

Topping tomatoes, which means cutting off the main growing point, can delay fruit production as it forces the plant to focus on growing new stems. This can be problematic in cooler climates where the growing season is short and might not allow for full maturation.

What role does photosynthesis play in pruning and fruit production?

Pruning helps to channel the energy from photosynthesis more effectively. The more targeted the photosynthesis is toward the fruiting parts of the plant, the better the yield. Pruned plants are able to focus their resources on producing fruit rather than excess foliage.

What was the finding of the study from Tanzania regarding pruning?

The study from Tanzania found that pruned plants, especially those with a single leading stem, produced the most marketable fruit in terms of uniform size and appearance. However, unpruned plants may produce more fruit overall, but it matures later due to inefficient photosynthesis.