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Grittyville, WA

I had one plant where I cut it down to just one, but I wish I had left two. Sometimes, it seems like it messes up the plants hormones to cut too many off.

I have another plant where I left two and I dont regret it, because they did not seem to slow each other down. It may have helped even?

I do think its possible to leave too many but there was only one time I had exceedingly far too many good options. This year, the most good options I had on one plant was 3.

In the past, Ive done anywhere from 1 to 5. But maybe the exact number doesnt really matter its more the total lbs that matters? My experience the past two years has been that the best plants can sustain 10-15 lbs of tomatoes at once.

Rather than just say "1 per plant" I will probably just target this 10-15 lb range in the future. That could mean a couple six pounders, a few 3-5 lbers, or if I got totally lucky then one 10-15 lber.

Do you guys think it might be good training for us to push our plants to produce more lbs all at once, so that we can breed better plants and identify problems with getting that kind of production?

So that we can get our tomato growing heading in the direction of catching up to Dan Sutherland!

Those are my thoughts. I don't know what anyone else is thinking!

[Last edit: 09/24/24 2:12:31 AM]

9/24/2024 1:57:23 AM

Colorado

we need a scientist that can track nutrients in the tomato plant. then you can watch and see where they go.

9/28/2024 12:43:32 AM

Kutztown, PA

My last two tomato's, and largest of the season are growing on a single Italian Heart 8.15 plant. They both formed so nicely I couldn't bare to cull one. Besides, I only grew two 8.15 plants. Next year I'll plant more plants. I'm planning to go with one per vine next season, I think two per vine is good since a 20lb tomato is to heavy to carry around anyway. :)

10/4/2024 1:55:21 PM

Grittyville, WA

That was a good result for that last one, congrats.

This one was on the same plant as the 9.50, pollinated maybe a week ahead of the 9.50:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=349466

I dont think this is relevant to most growers... I'm sure the general consensus will remain "1 per plant".

But who knows. Certain hens might be better mothers when they have more chicks to care for.

10/11/2024 12:16:41 AM