Does anyone know if you are supposed to pluck the bottom stems off of tomato plants?

Answer 1

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The reason they pluck the stems off the bottom of the tomato plant is because the nutrients will go to the top of the plant were the vegetable will grow. If you have too many long stems sticking out of the tomato plant it becomes leggy and a lot of water is wasted on stems that produce nothing. You can also pluck quit a few stems off the plant and plant the long part of the stem plus the root in the ground. It will look like you are laying down the plant. Leave about 5 or 6 inches out of the ground. That way the plant will get roots coming out of the stem also and produce more tomatoes. I am not sure of the correct way to put this is words but it always works for me/ Even if you don't pluck nothing you will get tomatoes , but doing it by plucking some branches will give you more and have a sturdier plant. Good luck.

Source(s):

My self. I have done both methods above.

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Asker's Comment:

thanks for the info

Answer 2

No, it's not necessary. You may if you wish to, but it won't do anything, other than to tidy up your plant.
Tomato plants tend to spread out anyway, so you won't even notice them later on. So just wait till the tomatoes turn red, pick them and enjoy.

Answer 3

no

Answer 4

Yes, when you are planting your tomato plants, you should pinch off the small growth leaves so the upper plant will grow better.

Source(s):

Learning from own experience and watching garden programs

Answer 5

yes you can, the bottom stems are called suckers and all they do is to draw vital engery from the plant , your top 3 or 4 leaders is what really produces, by pulling off the stems the plant will have more strength, and produce more and larger tomatoes. when you plant , put newspaper around the plant and cover with dirt,, and water good. it will cut down on the amount of weeds that grow, and it will help to stop cutworms.