Tomato ripening

[curium]

Hi all!

I've grown tomato plants for the first time. I've no real previous gardening experience.

I have six plants in grow-bags.

I've since found out that I should of only allowed 6-9 trusses to set on each plant as anymore will mean that the tomatoes do not have time to reach full size and ripen before the first frost is due.

Is this true?

If so, should I cut off the excess trusses?

I've also seen some sites advise stripping the foliage after the truss has set to help the fruit grow and ripen quicker.

Is this good advice?

Cheers for your help, here is a photo.

View media item 36421

 

[SparkoJon]

Yes, seems good advice - although I don't let any new stems grow.. 1 full stem tends to have bigger fruit (from my experience).

I also find that using a soft bristle brush to tickle the flowers helps to grow bigger fruit.

I've been growing tomatoes, cucumber, spuds.. etc for a few years and it really pays off - cheaper than supermarket prices!

 

[Diyisfun]

If not in a greenhouse, 4 truses is plenty, pull off all side shoots.