Should I Pinch Out Cherry Tomato Plants?

Cherry tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. They are easy to grow and produce tasty, bite-sized fruits that are perfect for snacking or adding to salads. However, if you are new to growing cherry tomatoes, you may be wondering whether or not you should pinch out the plants to help them grow better. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of pinching out cherry tomato plants.

What is Pinching Out?

Pinching out is the process of removing the growing point or 'sucker' from a tomato plant. The growing point is the top of the main stem and is responsible for producing new growth and fruiting branches. Suckers are the shoots that grow between the main stem and the leaves of the tomato plant.

Advantages of Pinching Out Cherry Tomato Plants

There are several advantages of pinching out cherry tomato plants. Firstly, it helps to maintain the size and shape of the plant. This is important if you have limited space in your garden or are growing cherry tomatoes in containers. Pinching out the plants also helps to promote the growth of fruiting branches, which in turn increases the yield of tomatoes. By removing the suckers, you ensure that all the plant's energy is focused on producing fruit rather than new growth.

Disadvantages of Pinching Out Cherry Tomato Plants

On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages to pinching out cherry tomato plants. Removing too many suckers can stress the plant and reduce its overall health. This can lead to a decrease in yield and a greater susceptibility to pests and diseases. Additionally, pinching out the plants requires more time and effort, which can be a disadvantage if you are busy or have a large garden.

When to Pinch Out Cherry Tomato Plants

The best time to pinch out cherry tomato plants is when they are young and still small. This helps to ensure that the plant grows in the desired shape and size. You should stop pinching out the plants once they reach a height of around 4-5 feet or when they reach the top of their support structure.

How to Pinch Out Cherry Tomato Plants

The process of pinching out cherry tomato plants is relatively simple. You should wait until the suckers are around 2-3 inches long before removing them. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut the sucker off the plant. Be sure to make a clean cut to avoid damaging the plant. Repeat this process as necessary to keep the plant in the desired shape and size.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not you should pinch out your cherry tomato plants depends on your personal preferences and gardening goals. Pinching out the plants can help to increase yield and maintain the size and shape of the plant. However, it can also reduce the overall health of the plant if done excessively. Be sure to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of pinching out cherry tomato plants before deciding whether or not to do so.