Why you need to pinch out tomato plants — and when and how to do it

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Tomatoes are one of the favorite summer crops that both professional and novice gardeners love to grow. And there’s a good reason why: there’s no better taste than a freshly picked tomato enjoyed straight from the vine.To get the full potential from your tomato plants, they need to be ‘pinched out’. But what exactly does it involve, why does it benefit your end harvest, and when should you do it?Let me explain all you need to know about pinching out tomatoes.What is 'pinching-out'?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)Pinching out tomatoes refers to removing the side shoots, which Paola Tombini, an Italian tomato farmer for Cirio1856, previously told Tom's Guide, is “a small new stem that grows in the ‘V’ between the main stem and a leaf branch on a tomato plant.” According to Tombini, “Removing side shoots encourages plants to grow upwards, which can lead to taller plants, better airflow around the fruit, and a more abundant crop.”So, instead of wasting energy on leaf production, the focus is on fruit production, while improved airflow helps to discourage unwanted fungal diseases.Know your type before you pinch

(Image credit: Shutterstock)Before you start removing all the side shoots on your tomato plants, it’s not necessary for certain varieties. While pinching out is recommended on vines, cordons and indeterminates, you don’t need to follow the same process for bush or trailing varieties.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.In this instance, pinching out the side shoots would reduce the harvest, as the side shoots, instead of growing endless leaves, stop at a flower cluster. While bushy varieties grow to a predetermined size, the side shoots help support the fruit’s weight.How to pinch out tomato shoots