How do I prune tomato plants?

Rob writes: How do I prune tomato plants?

Phil The Gardener’s reply:
1.      If your tomato plants are growing too large for their allocated area you can prune them with sharp, clean shears.

2.      To encourage your tomato plants to grow bushy and full you should pinch the branch tips all during the growing season. Remove the last set of two leaves, including the stem, each time you pinch a branch.

3.      Cut out entire branches that are not blooming to keep plants contained. Leave some foliage above developing fruit to shade it and prevent sun scald.

4.      Remove dead or fading foliage from tomato plants. Keep only the growth that is green and healthy. Try not to cut away branches that are flowering.

5.      Train your tomatoes to grow on a trellis. This will save precious garden space. Growing vertically also makes it easier to locate and harvest the crop. Tie stray branches back to the trellis, or remove them completely if they are not bearing flowers.

Happy Gardening

http://www.philthegardener.com

Deadhead Agapanthus

Pam wrote:
On your website you said to deadhead agapanthus blooms at the end of their bloom cycle. Do I only deadhead the blooms or do I clip to the bottom of the stem? Also, I want to collect the seeds. Thanks for your help!

Phil The Gardener’s reply:
I generally cut the stem down as close as I can into the greenery so no dead stem is showing.

If you want to save the seeds you should let them mature on the plant, this way you have healthy mature seeds.

Seriously the best way to propogate your aggies is to kill 2 birds with one stone. Dividing them is healthy for the plant, it gives it room to grow and it gives you more plants to place in other beds.

Happy Gardening

http://www.philthegardener.com

Pruning Ilex Holly Bush

Eddie wrote: Is it too late to do heavy pruning on ilex holly bush? I have a hedge that is overgrown.

Phil The Gardeners reply:
You don’t say where you are located but in most areas of the country you can keep your ilex hedge in formal shape by keeping it pruned. I wouldn’t prune if the days are too hot you may stress the plant.
Another thing to keep in mind is if it is overgrown you really should bring it back into shape in stages allowing some new growth in between. If you prune it completely back to where it was or should be you may have some bare areas or woody areas. They should fill in it may look ugly in the meantime.

Happy Gardening

http://www.philthegardener.com