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Omaha, NE (N41-15-42 )

This was my first year starting tomatoes from seeds, and after some failed tries, I finally have some nice looking plants. Someone told me yesterday that by clipping the first two leaves, it improves the plant's hardiness. Can anyone confirm or refute this?

Thanks,

Matt

5/30/2004 10:35:36 PM

Appalachian Mtns.

Mine are strong and stout, going out tomorrow. I haven't done anything except sun and water and they look pretty hardy to me.
This is my 3rd year from seed and success improves each year.

5/31/2004 12:07:52 AM

Wichita, KS

I usually clip the lower leaves (more than just the bottom two) and bury the whole thing up to remaining leaves. I have one plant that is already about 5.5-6 feet tall with a rtunk about 2" in diameter. I'll see if I can get a picture in the diary tomorrow.

Toby

5/31/2004 1:08:33 AM

Benton Ky

I do this to some of mine. I believe it does help make a stronger plant. If you don't clip them and bury them deep I have noticed the stem will gain diameter on up as the plant grows.I also pinch off the lower suckers as they pop out. I dig a hole about 1' deep and 2' in diameter ,and put horse manure, straw, lime, and a little shot of urea in it. I have a jetstar thats been out since April 20th that is 2 1/2 ' tall and has 25 green tomatoes on it. The stem is about 1 " in diameter. I always try something different with my plants. I have some brandywines that are 100% organic that look very good with tomatoes about 1" in diameter. I am foliar feeding also.

5/31/2004 6:54:06 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

From the Man himself.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2004&grower=18814&action=L

5/31/2004 7:59:04 AM

Long Island,New York

This year to my dismay, the home depot/lowes etc here started selling single seedlings only (1.49) and not those 6-packs, or cell packs. At a buck-fifty a pop it is now neccessary to start my plants from seed....but Ive never been able to get decent looking tomato or pepper seedlings home grown. So.....all you guys with decent plants start saving seeds this fall (put me on seed list..lol)and all you pepper guys, I'll have Hungarian wax pepper seeds to swap. I'll need tips and clues come April next year too !...thanks....G

5/31/2004 9:00:08 AM

Western Pa.

Another reason to trim off lower leaves is to avoid the rains splashing up fungal/disease problems onto the leaves.

5/31/2004 1:44:48 PM

G, come to the greenhouse I work at... 75% off this week, gets you a 6 pack or a maxi size for 50 cents!

5/31/2004 9:43:50 PM