tomatoes - 2 or 3 stems?

[Spookyville]

Noticed that some of my plants have what looked to be the bottom set of leaves turning upwards and growing into a second or even third "stem". should these ba removed or can the plant sustain them for more fruit?

TIA

[Spookyville]

[Fork]

I always remove them on my plants.

Infact,when the first trus is set I normally remove all the leaves beneath.

[louise stella]

Usually it's best to have one stem, and about 4-6 trusses - depending on type, space, where grown etc.....and take off all the little shouts that grow in between the leaf joints!  Pinch out the top growth when the number of trusses you want is reached.  I pick of the bottom leaves once the fruit is swelling and the leaves are looking tatty anyway - this lets all the goodness go into the fruits and doesn't waste any feed.  (In my case Comfrey/nettle tea this year).

Fewer toms but better quality and size!

Louise

[tim]

Have you got a photo, Spooky? Can't quite picture it.

[Spookyville]

will try and get a picture this week. I did lop most of them off but left a couple of plents with them on - try it both ways just in case..