How to properly form tomatoes in the open field
Content
Formation time
It is correct to start the formation of tomato bushes at the beginning of June, since from a young age the nightshades form lateral shoots in the leaf axils. It is them that are best removed so that the plant does not waste useful substances on unnecessary shoots.
The first pinching is carried out two weeks after the tomato is planted. Further, in order to prevent the overgrowth of axillary shoots, the pinching procedure is carried out at intervals of 10-12 days. For planting tomatoes, as a rule, choose a sunny place that is protected from cold winds. Rather damp areas should be avoided. It is also worth considering that nightshades are very demanding on the composition of the soil.
Planting seedlings in open ground occurs when the threat of frost is excluded. When planting seedlings, part of the leaves is removed in order for it to take root better.
Not only well-fertilized open ground, but also the successful formation of the bush, will allow you to get the desired result that will meet your expectations. Such a process must be carried out in order to rid the plant of excess green mass, and direct its power to fruiting. Plant formation is carried out depending on the climatic conditions of the region.
Formation of tomatoes
If you do not control the growth of nightshades, then they can form a jungle in your garden bed, because each stem grows in height, and stepchildren form in the bosom of each leaf. In turn, each stepchild forms a new stem with flowers. And if you think that in this way you will have a lot of tomatoes, then you are wrong.
The formation of shrubs can depend on many reasons, but the determining reason is the type of growth of a particular type. Therefore, all nightshades are subdivided into varieties: determinant, indeterminate and superdeterminant.
In tall varieties, it is allowed to leave one to three stems. It would seem that it is not difficult to form tomato bushes, but nevertheless this procedure requires certain knowledge and skills, and it must be given time if you want to achieve results. It is worth noting that undersized varieties do not particularly need pinching. There is a certain scheme that allows you to form a plant depending on the variety.
You should be aware that for tall tomatoes, as a rule, you need to leave one stem, on which there will be about seven to eight flower brushes. The stepson who will be left under the first flower brush will develop well. Shrub formation requires the removal of the lower leaves. This must be done until there is a distance of 30 cm between the leaves and the soil. Such removal of the leaves will help prevent the plant from getting fungal infections and will provide air circulation.
After you have formed seven to eight brushes, you need to pinch the top, thus limiting the growth of the plant. The top should be pinched so that there are two leaves above each brush. This will ensure the flow of nutrients to the fruit.
Determinant varieties
A distinctive feature of the determinant varieties of nightshades is that they have a rather low first inflorescence. After planting such nightshade varieties in open ground, the flower cluster is formed after 5-7 leaves. The inflorescences themselves are located through 1-2 leaves.
Determinant tomato varieties differ from other varieties in that their growth stops after the formation of 4-5 clusters. But, given the biological characteristics, inflorescences may continue to form on the main shoot. There is a certain way of formation, namely, it is necessary to transfer the growth point to a lateral shoot, and this will significantly increase the fruiting period. It is recommended to combine the first pinching with a garter of plants on supports in order to have time to remove all unnecessary stepchildren before the first brush blooms. It is best to clean stepchildren by hand until their length does not exceed 4-5 cm.
Such tomatoes are beneficial for outdoor cultivation, as they can grow not only in the south, but also in the eastern regions.
Indeterminate varieties
Indeterminate varieties are characterized by unlimited growth of the main stem, and, as a rule, they form in just one shoot. To achieve high yields, side shoots are removed. Their first brush should be high enough, namely above 10-12 leaves. Usually, the growth of stepchildren begins after the appearance of the first flower cluster. It is recommended to leave one flower brush on this stepson, and then pinch it, but do not forget that a couple of leaves should be left above the brush. Grazing is carried out based on the activity of plant growth, but at least once a week.
Superdeterminate varieties
This group of nightshades is characterized by weak growth, not more than 60 cm, and early maturity. The very first inflorescence appears after 6-7 leaves, all subsequent ones - through each next leaf. After the appearance of the third - fourth inflorescence, as a rule, the growth of shoots is limited.
Superdeterminant varieties can be formed in several ways:
- One stem. In this case, all side stepchildren are removed 30-35 days before the last harvest.
- Two stems. In this case, the second stem can be obtained from the stepson, which is located in the bosom under the first inflorescence.
- Three stems. If the second stem is formed from under the first inflorescence, then, respectively, the third one is from the stepson of the leaf under the second inflorescence.
In conclusion, it is worth paying attention to the fact that all work related to breaking and pinching the leaves is recommended to be carried out in warm and sunny weather, since the pinching wound dries quickly, and this reduces the likelihood of infection getting there.
Tomato Formation Video
In this video, a video instruction on the formation of tomatoes in the open field. After watching the entry, you will learn how to pinch tomatoes correctly and how to remove leaves.