Tomato leaves, to cut or not to cut?

[Aaron T]

Hi all, my 1st year of growing tomatoes.

I read somewhere that I need to cut the bottom leaves and branches off my tomato plant as the flowers come out, is this right? I have 2 corden (Alicante) plants and are grown outdoors against a wall in a bag.

The bottom leaves are curling up at the edges but I have left them alone and the branches have black marks on them but it seems ok (panicky about blight, even though I don't know what it is!).

Thank you.

[Tomatoking]

Hi all, my 1st year of growing tomatoes.

I read somewhere that I need to cut the bottom leaves and branches of my tomato plant as the flowers come out, is this right? I have 2 corden (Alicante) plants and are grown outdoors against a wall in a bag.

The bottom leaves are curling up at the edges but I have left them alone and the branches have black marks on them but it seems ok (panicky about blight, even though I don't know what it is!).

Thank you.

Hi Aaron
Leaves only need to come off below the trusses you have picked. I take a few off at the bottom for air circulation. Curling leaves happen a bit at this time of year, especially on lower leaves, so do not worry too much.
However, black on the branch of the leaf could be something or nothing as you say, but just in case it might be better to remove the affected ones.

Mr TK

[lacysue2]

totmato plants do not need to be pruned unless you are dealing with disease issues.

[rustylady]

I only remove the bottom leaves when they go yellow and they have done their job.

[ann-the-nan]

Tomato leaves, to cut or not to cut

I was taught to remove leaves that cast a shadow or cover a growing fruit to allow the sun onto them. Don't know if it is right, but it has always worked for me.

[selfraising]

I have had a good chop at mine below the trusses and inbetween as there was major leaf congestion. I read somewhere that they need good air circulation otherwise this can help lead to blight.

[Snadger]

I have had a good chop at mine below the trusses and inbetween as there was major leaf congestion. I read somewhere that they need good air circulation otherwise this can help lead to blight.

Me too.....air circulation now sorted and I can see to water the base of the plants!

[Bren In Pots]

I've cut some of my leaves off as well and I wanted to check is it OK to put the leaves in my compost bin ?

[taff]

yup, it's ok.