Toms advice for a new gardener

[MrLeek]

I've read somewhere about "thinning" out some of the branches. I've got quite a lot of branches growing on my toms and it's starting to get a little dense - I've only got 3 in the growbag. Is that something I've imagined? Or does that make any sense??

I just have vague memories of seeing them grow in my grand-dad's greenhouse when I was a kid and I think I remember gaps between each branch. (The memory is very strong, but the detail on how the toms were growing is lacking)

Soon as I track down the digital camera I'll put a picture up as this may make more sense - I'm quite impressed with my first attempt at growing toms!

[Pa Snips]

I'm guessing you mean 'removing the side-shoots that grow between the main stem and the stem leaves', in which case - that is the recommended thing to do, though I'm also new to this so I'm working on general advice rather than experience.

[rustylady]

Depends on what variety you're growing, but cordon types need the sideshoots removing (known on the Vine as "armpits")

[Newton]

And you can grow the side shoots as new plants but it is getting a bit late in the year to expect too much fruit from the armpits!

If you don't take them off they will sprawl and be difficult to support. They might snap off before the fruits reach maturity.

[MrLeek]

Brilliant advice - thanks all. I'm growing Gardeners Delight and the link to "how to grow toms" (it's between the individual posts) helped to clarify some things. Two questions through:

- Some of my sideshoots have grown rather well. is it too late to remove them? Is there a safe way to remove them without causing problems?
- What about the shoots at the bottom of the plant. Got quite a few of those - can some of those be removed?

Oh - and is it worth pinching out the top of the plant early to help encourage flowering or not?

Honestly...I never thought I'd be gardening! Cutting the grass 2 years ago was a chore!!!

[binley100]

And you can grow the side shoots as new plants but it is getting a bit late in the year to expect too much fruit from the armpits!

don't you believe it .........my armpits are fruiting quicker than the originals.........

[Potstubsdustbins]

Personally I would remove all side shoots, little or large and most certainly the ones at the bottom of the plants.

With the weather this year the plant will need to put all its energy into the fruit if we are to get any kind of harvest.

Colin

[taff]

don't bother taking the top off just yet, wait till you have a good 4 - 7 trusses [depending on whether it's outside or inside] before you do that.
Taking the top off doesn't encourage it to flower in the way i think you mean, it makes it grow new sideshoots which attempt to flower. The flowers on your main trusses will not develop more flowers because you take the top off the plant.