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To: Pollard
Pollard; Here is something regarding the "Missouri" method for pruning tomatos that tips the suckers and allows them to grow out and provide additional shade. (Something to use before you deploy shade clothe.)

Pruning Tomato Plants.

"One way to prune suckers, other than simple pruning, is to pinch them off at the tips rather than the base of the shoot. By leaving a few leaves, you allow the plant to produce more energy for ripening tomatoes, plus you give shade to ripening fruit. This technique is called “Missouri pruning.”

Missouri pruning reduces shock to the plant. It’s especially helpful for those in hot, sunny climates or when suckers have gotten large. The downside of Missouri pruning is that remaining suckers will grow new suckers. Carefully monitor plants when you prune sucker tips only."

(More info at link!)

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I have Picus, a determinate Roma type that not that that tasty, but has worked well in the heat, and Early Doll, which is still ripening in the heat. (So far ripened Celebrity have the best taste.) Row covers in early spring helped to get them going early and maturing before it got too hot.

(Spouse is not eating these fast enough so yes, better start canning! :)

61 posted on 07/23/2022 4:49:04 PM PDT by Pete from Shawnee Mission (Zone 6B KS/MO Border KC area )
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To: Pollard
"Something to use before you deploy shade clothe." Should be In addition to the Shade Clothe.
63 posted on 07/23/2022 5:11:43 PM PDT by Pete from Shawnee Mission (Zone 6B KS/MO Border KC area )
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