removing leafs

the999bbq · May 24, 2007

by transplanting your plants deeply, the true leafs come closer to the ground and by now it is turning into a bushy forest down there. I wasn't able to hold me back and I went on removing some leafs already.
I always heard you should remove all the leafs below the first fruits. Fruits is setting well, but may it be too soon still ?

johno · May 28, 2007

For what it's worth, I like to let the plants get larger (hip high, at least, with plants that get big) before I start removing the lower leaves. They need those leaves to generate energy when they are young.

Another reason I'm hesitant to remove leaves is that I don't like the idea of open wounds on young plants in such a germy environment as Mother Nature provides.

As the plants reach a size and age that the lower leaves won't be missed, I do prune the lower foliage to increase air circulation. At this point in development it seems that lack of air circulation becomes more of a disease factor than a few open wounds which heal quickly.

Suze · May 29, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by johno

As the plants reach a size and age that the lower leaves won't be missed, I do prune the lower foliage to increase air circulation. At this point in development it seems that lack of air circulation becomes more of a disease factor than a few open wounds which heal quickly.

I second John's approach/rationale. That's pretty much what I like to do with my plants when I have time to keep them cleaned up.

the999bbq · May 29, 2007

I reckon that having more than one cluster of flowers, and having already some tomatoes formed can be seen as 'reached certain size and age) - maybe I should start a comparative research experiment next season varying times of de-leafication

Earl · May 29, 2007

Another take on it. I don't have a problem removing leaves at anytime. I cut them as I plant if they're going to lay on the soil as I don't want them coming into contact with any soil borne disease. Any suckers can be removed, trimmed and stuck in potting mix and grown into another plant which is a good way to have late season plants for those with a long enough growing season. I also spray with daconil type spray soon after plants are planted.

May 24, 2007	#1
the999bbq Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 191	removing leafs by transplanting your plants deeply, the true leafs come closer to the ground and by now it is turning into a bushy forest down there. I wasn't able to hold me back and I went on removing some leafs already. I always heard you should remove all the leafs below the first fruits. Fruits is setting well, but may it be too soon still ?

May 29, 2007	#5
Earl Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,278	Another take on it. I don't have a problem removing leaves at anytime. I cut them as I plant if they're going to lay on the soil as I don't want them coming into contact with any soil borne disease. Any suckers can be removed, trimmed and stuck in potting mix and grown into another plant which is a good way to have late season plants for those with a long enough growing season. I also spray with daconil type spray soon after plants are planted. __________________ "Seriously think about what you're about to do/say before you do it and the outcome will always be better." Earl

May 28, 2007	#2
johno Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Arkansas zone 6b Posts: 441	For what it's worth, I like to let the plants get larger (hip high, at least, with plants that get big) before I start removing the lower leaves. They need those leaves to generate energy when they are young. Another reason I'm hesitant to remove leaves is that I don't like the idea of open wounds on young plants in such a germy environment as Mother Nature provides. As the plants reach a size and age that the lower leaves won't be missed, I do prune the lower foliage to increase air circulation. At this point in development it seems that lack of air circulation becomes more of a disease factor than a few open wounds which heal quickly.