Pinching (or removing suckers) is a care measure in the cultivation of tomatoes and other fruit-bearing vegetables. It involves removing suckers (side shoots 5 to 10 cm long) that develop in the leaf axils.
Pinching Tomatoes
This process helps regulate the vegetative growth of tomatoes. Under optimal conditions, tomatoes develop a large leaf mass and many suckers, which can reduce fruit setting. Additionally, the fruits that do set are often smaller.
In indeterminate tomato cultivars, suckers are removed once a week, and the plants are tied for support. Suckers are removed by hand, knife, or scissors, ensuring that the cut is as small as possible to prevent infection and the development of diseases.
Inter-row Cultivation of Tomatoes
The goal of this measure is to aerate the surface layer of soil and mechanically destroy weeds. It is carried out 3 – 4 times during the growing season, until the plants cover the rows.
In open-field cultivation, inter-row cultivation should be performed after each heavy rain, as rain can compact the soil. It is important not to allow a crust to form after heavy showers. The depth of cultivation should be about 6 cm. Inter-row cultivation is done using rotary hoes.
