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Grittyville, WA

So, if the tomato is in dense foliage, is it better for it to get some more light, ie clear away the leaves that are against it? Or does it not matter? Or... is the full shade beneficial, as in, delayed ripening and longer growth period?

None getting direct sun because I am growing in a plastic hut this year, I know direct sun on a hot day would not be great (it already stunted one that snuck out from under the plastic!)

So full direct sun is out of the question, but beyond that...
Anyone have any thoughts?

7/8/2023 2:08:38 AM

Walla Walla Wa.

The tomato itself should be in shade,more shade the better to delay ripening.

7/8/2023 8:00:43 AM

Grittyville, WA

Thanks, and dont break anyone's scale ha ha. ps if you want a witness by a fellow grower, short notice is ok... I'd certainly try to help.

7/8/2023 4:27:08 PM

Grittyville, WA

Thought about this a bit more and I think during the cell division stage, for me, lots of indirect light should help, but then in the cell expansion phase (about 20 DAP), then it does seem shade wont harm them and should help. Thats how the plant growth naturally progesses anyhow. (Im on the cloudier side of Washington, plus I lose a few hours of my day to the trees. I think for me too little light can be a factor in their initial growth.) Certainly Dan has his spot dialed in.

Had to post my thoughts even though it may only be relevant to me.

7/10/2023 4:19:14 PM