Introduction

Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many dishes around the world. There are two main types of tomato plants – determinate and indeterminate. Determinate tomato plants grow to a certain height and produce fruit within a short period of time, while indeterminate tomato plants grow continuously throughout the growing season. One common question that arises among gardeners is whether they should pick small tomatoes off of determinate tomato plants. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of doing so.

The Pros

There are a few reasons why you might consider picking small tomatoes off of your determinate tomato plants. Firstly, by removing the smaller fruit, you can help to direct the plant's energy towards the remaining tomatoes, allowing them to grow larger and more flavorful. Additionally, removing small or damaged fruit can help to prevent disease and insect infestations from spreading to other parts of the plant. Finally, picking small tomatoes can promote the overall health and productivity of your plant, ensuring that you get the most out of your harvest.

The Cons

However, there are also some downsides to picking small tomatoes off of determinate tomato plants. One major concern is that doing so can stunt the growth of the plant, as it will need to redirect its resources towards producing new fruit. Additionally, removing fruit at an early stage can prevent it from reaching its full potential, which can mean that you end up with smaller or less flavorful tomatoes in the long run. Finally, picking small tomatoes can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially if you have a large number of plants in your garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are pros and cons to picking small tomatoes off of determinate tomato plants. While it can help to promote the health and productivity of your plant, it can also have negative effects on growth and flavor. Ultimately, the decision to pick small tomatoes will depend on your individual gardening goals and preferences. However, if you do decide to remove small fruit from your plants, be sure to do so carefully and selectively in order to maximize your yield and maintain the overall health of your plant.