My husband has 8 grape tomato plants growing in the basement. They have flowers and have just begun setting fruit, but are getting too tall for the grow lights. I think 'cherry type' tomato plants are like vines --- should we cut them by 1/3 and hope they get bushy? It's still too cold to take them outdoors here.
Can you raise the grow lights? Do you have an outdoor greenhouse? Do you plan to transplant outdoors? I would say that answers will help you once you can detail the long-term plans for the season. Photos of the plants area, and planned long-term area?
The grow lights have been raised with the growth of the plants, but are now at the max height, about 3 -4 ' from the ground. The plants are taller than that, which is what prompted my question - can I cut them by 1/3 without harming them? I do not have an outdoor greenhouse. These are basement-grown plants. There are no windows. I so not plan to transplant outdoors - I can carry them up to the deck once the weather is warmer, but that is a month away. Meanwhile the plants are flowering now. These were planned to stay indoor plants. Any advise?????
Lorna, do you have ample light for indoor area? If the idea is for these to be indoor type, I am sure you have designated an area? What are day temps like? Why not put them out in the morning, bring them in at dusk? If you have grown in the basement, are the stems strong by artificial wind, fan? If you put them outdoors and winds pick up, and the stems are not built to handle, there may be issues. I am sure others will start to chime in as well.
We have 8 of the long florescent grow bulbs, but the stems do not adequately support the plants so they are staked, but outgrowing the stakes ---- it's not warm enough here yet to take them out during the day and I'm sure the wind would take it's toll ---- which leads me back to my original question: can I cut 1/3 of the length off the plants without harming them?
It should be fine to cut them by 1/3. Just be sure to have ample lower leaves. Not 2/3 cutting, just 1/3.
Out of curiosity...is your basement finished? Are your basement ceiling joists exposed? You say the lights have been raised to 3-4 feet, their maximum height, have you thought of hanging the lights? A couple of 1/4 or 3/8 eye bolts, a length of 1/8 inch cable and a handfull of cable clamps all from the local hardware could be an idea. Screw the eyebolts into the ceiling joists and hang the lights with the cable through the bolts. the clamps will allow you to adjust the height. Just an idea, you could keep from having to cut the plants back. Hey Acoma, glad you mentioned that about the artificial wind...I hadn't ever thought about that when starting a plant indoors. I'll have to remember that if I ever start any indoors.
Monkeydog, long time no speak. I hope all is well with your outdoor garden, knowing you had issues. Lorna, Monkeydog is correct, and your idea of 1/3 chopping is ok. It is best to get artificial wind, and move lighting off the cieling. If you apply wind and the plant want to snap, or bend way too much, chop the 1/3, you have a weak stem.
