A pinch to grow on: Pinching back tomato seedlings

Pinching back plants typically forces new foliage to form along the stem of the plant. It  results in dense, compact foliage that improves the appearance of your plants. For garden vegetables like tomatoes this causes the plants to become 'stocky' and discourages tall spindly growth.

Pinch back tomato seedlings for stocky plants.

The decision to pinch back my tomato seedlings is always wrought with a bit of hesitation. I know that it is needed, but somehow pinching out healthy new leaves never feels quite right. I bit the bullet yesterday and pinched back all my cherry tomato seedlings and assured them it was for their own good. They had reached a height of six inches and I knew it was time.
 
If you are growing vegetable seedlings inside this spring, don't skip this important step in preparing them for the garden.


                                                  How to Pinch Back Tomato Seedlings

1. Water your tomato seedlings well the day before pinching. This ensures that your plants are not under stress from lack of water.
2. Grasp the tiny new leaves on the growing tip of your plants and squeeze them between your thumb and index finger to "pinch" them from the plant. 
3. Watch for new grow to appear between the main stem and the foliage or branches of your tomato plants.
4. Repeat when the tomato plants have grown another two to four inches making sure to pinch out all growing tips.

                                                          Until next time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!

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