Thoughs on Culling First Fruit

Keiththibodeaux · July 24, 2011

Thinking back on the spring tomato season, yes it is over for us this far south especially with the June heatwave we had, I am wondering about culling the first fruit from the plant. Like most I can't wait for that first tomato. But as I think about it the first fruit are usually low to the ground, towards the middle of the plant, and don't have the best taste or structure of the tomatoes that will come later on the bush. So I am wondering about removing the first cluster and letting the bush concentrate its energies on the following fruit which are usually far better. Anyone else have thought to share on this subject?

uzlaguzla · July 24, 2011

Keith, I am north of you but have the same concerns. We don't get normal rains anymore. Always storms which have a tendency to cause the lower fruit to touch the ground.

ContainerTed · July 24, 2011

Take the tomatoes from that first set and make tomato juice and save seeds. The seeds are more likely to not have been crossed than the ones that come later when all the plants are in full bloom. The tomato juice can be used to drink or to make sauce and salsa.

Waste not - want not!!

And besides, if you cull those first ones and then mother nature decides to send a huge storm just as the second round is getting ready, you could be left with nothing for the whole year. My philosophy is to accept the plants as they are and make the best of what they give. I revel in the subtle differences in the flavors as the season progresses. I treat each visit to the garden as a new adventure.

Course, you should do what you feel is the right thing for YOU!!!

July 24, 2011	#1
Keiththibodeaux Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 587	Thoughs on Culling First Fruit Thinking back on the spring tomato season, yes it is over for us this far south especially with the June heatwave we had, I am wondering about culling the first fruit from the plant. Like most I can't wait for that first tomato. But as I think about it the first fruit are usually low to the ground, towards the middle of the plant, and don't have the best taste or structure of the tomatoes that will come later on the bush. So I am wondering about removing the first cluster and letting the bush concentrate its energies on the following fruit which are usually far better. Anyone else have thought to share on this subject?

July 24, 2011	#3
ContainerTed Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: 6a - NE Tennessee Posts: 4,538	Take the tomatoes from that first set and make tomato juice and save seeds. The seeds are more likely to not have been crossed than the ones that come later when all the plants are in full bloom. The tomato juice can be used to drink or to make sauce and salsa. Waste not - want not!! And besides, if you cull those first ones and then mother nature decides to send a huge storm just as the second round is getting ready, you could be left with nothing for the whole year. My philosophy is to accept the plants as they are and make the best of what they give. I revel in the subtle differences in the flavors as the season progresses. I treat each visit to the garden as a new adventure. Course, you should do what you feel is the right thing for YOU!!! __________________ Ted ________________________ Owner & Sole Operator Of The Muddy Bucket Farm and Tomato Ranch

July 24, 2011	#2
uzlaguzla Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: ohio Posts: 47	Keith, I am north of you but have the same concerns. We don't get normal rains anymore. Always storms which have a tendency to cause the lower fruit to touch the ground.