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The process of growing tomatoes in open ground is quite painstaking and complex. It begins with planting seedlings in the soil. Only after this begins the cultivation and care of the plant. The key to success in obtaining a crop is the correct formation of tomatoes in the open field.
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 axils of the leaves. It is they who are best removed so that the plant does not waste useful substances on unnecessary shoot formation.
The first pinching is carried out two weeks after planting the tomato. 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. Pretty damp areas should be avoided. It is also worth considering that nightshade is very demanding on the composition of the soil.
Planting seedlings in open ground occurs when the threat of frost is excluded. When planting seedlings, some of the leaves are removed so that it takes root better.
Not only well-fertilized open ground, but also the successful formation of a 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 strength to fruiting. The formation of the plant is carried out depending on the climatic conditions of the region.
Formation of tomatoes
If you do not control the growth of nightshade, then they can form a jungle in your garden, because each stem grows in height, and stepsons form in the axil of each leaf. In turn, each stepson forms a new stem with flowers. And if you think that in this way you will have a lot of tomatoes, then you are mistaken.
The formation of bushes can depend on many reasons, but the determining reason is the type of growth of a particular species. Therefore, all nightshades are divided 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 needs to be given time if you want to achieve results. It is worth noting that undersized varieties do not really need pinching. There is a certain scheme that allows you to form a plant depending on the variety.
You should know 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 that will be left under the first flower brush will develop well. The formation of bushes requires the removal of lower leaves. This must be done until there is a distance of 30 cm between the leaves and the soil. This removal of the leaves will help to avoid fungal infections of the plant and 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 fruits.
Determinant Varieties
A distinctive feature of the determinant Solanaceae varieties is that they have the first inflorescence rather low.. After planting such nightshade varieties in open ground, a flower brush is formed after 5-7 leaves. The inflorescences themselves are located after 1-2 leaves.
Determinate tomato varieties differ from other varieties in that they stop growing after the formation of 4-5 brushes. 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 the lateral shoot, and this will significantly increase the fruiting period. It is recommended to combine the first stepson with tying the plants on supports in order to have time to remove all unnecessary stepchildren before the first brush blooms. It is best to remove stepchildren with your hands 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 are formed in just one shoot. To achieve high yields, side shoots are removed. Their first brush should be high enough, namely over 10-12 sheets. Usually the growth of stepchildren begins after the appearance of the first flower brush. 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. Stepping is carried out based on the activity of plant growth, but at least once a week.
Superdeterminant varieties
This group of Solanaceae is characterized by weak growth, namely no more than 60 cm, and precocity. 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.
There are several ways to form superdeterminant varieties:
- In one stem. In this case, all side stepchildren are removed 30-35 days before the last harvest.
- In 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, accordingly, the third stem is formed 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 out and pinching leaves is recommended to be carried out in warm and sunny weather, since the pinching wound dries quickly, and this reduces the likelihood that an infection will get there.
Video “Formation of tomatoes”
In this video, video instructions for the formation of tomatoes in the open field. After watching the recording, you will learn how to properly stepson tomatoes and how to remove leaves.
