pruning tomatoes
This morning, the boys and I pruned the tomato plants. If you have ever done ANYTHING with a child for the first time, you know that the first question is
“Why?”
I begin to explain to the boys, we need to remove the suckers (point out what a sucker is) and eliminate leaves.
“Why?”
Because with less dense leaves, it allows more air to move through the plant, allows the leaves to dry out after rain and there is less chances of disease. In general, it is healthier for the plant and then the plant puts more energy into creating and ripening the fruit instead of making more leaves. We are eliminating SOME fruit, but that’s okay because the plant will then have less fruit to take care hopefully ripening faster. We need our fruit as early as possible, because we will have fall frosts before we know it. Then, the season will be over.
They seemed content with that answer, both needed a clipper and began to ask, “Do I cut this one?”
We then needed to talk about using clean and sharp blades to keep the wound as healthy as possible. We are only harming the plant if it does not heal as quickly as possible. They then noticed some of the really good branches were falling over. Next, we moved into staking. I explained that we need to support the stems and growing tips by supporting them and tying them up. If we can provide structure for the stems, they will be able to support the fruit better. Out comes the twine as we tie up the stems to the baskets.
So here is to your summer garden.
May you prune your leaves to allow more air to flow through your stem. Allow the breeze to cool you and bring you comfort.
May you put energy into creating and ripening your fruit.
May you eliminate some of your fruit, to make way for the beautiful harvest yet to come.
May your blades be clean and sharp to heal fully.
May your growing tips be well supported.
This weeks A Door Within:
What in life needs pruning?
Are you ready to eliminate some fruit or suckers to make room for a bountiful, ripe harvest?
When pruning, have you cleaned and sharpened your blades to remove with intention for ultimate healing?
What support do your growing tips need to thrive?
When your task is done, will you feel the breeze and lightness that comes? What have you made room for?
With anticipation of a bountiful harvest,
♥ Ashley
