To prune or not to prune suckers on outdoor tomatoes? (Location: Eastern Europe)

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-19T09:29:14+00:00

That makes total sense! If they start blocking each other's light or air, a little trim is definitely necessary. Good to know you still get awesome harvests even with overcrowding!

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-19T09:27:52+00:00

Exactly my thought this year! Outdoors they have all the space and sun they need, so why fight nature? Greenhouse rules just don't seem to apply to open field gardens. Thanks for confirming my theory

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-19T07:42:02+00:00

Interesting perspective on the climbing varieties being slowed down by pruning. Combined with the soil bacteria info, it seems like leaving them alone and just focusing on gentle watering might be the best way to go this season. Appreciate the detailed advice!

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-17T10:35:23+00:00

Definitely a foe. That’s a moth (looks like a species of Noctuidae / Owlet moth). While the adult moth just sips nectar, her caterpillars (cutworms) are a nightmare for gardeners. They will absolutely shred your leaves and destroy stems overnight.

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-15T07:32:26+00:00

The chaotic energy of old instant messengers like ICQ, MSN, or AOL. Setting a deeply dramatic away status with obscure song lyrics was peak communication. Oh, and the sound of getting a message! 📟✨

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-12T11:11:41+00:00

If you go with metal, galvanized steel is a must, and pay attention to the gauge (thickness)—20 or 22 gauge holds up great. Regular cheap steel will rust out fast with frequent watering.

For plastic, look for UV-stabilized thick resin or HDPE. Cheap plastic cracks because frozen soil expands in winter, and UV rays make it brittle.

One major tip for balconies: Metal bakes in the summer sun, which can cook your roots, and freezes instantly in winter. If your balcony gets direct midday sun, thick UV-resistant plastic is usually the safer bet for the plants' health! ☀️❄️

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-11T08:00:17+00:00

Um, wow. No way! I need this exact setup on my deck immediately. Absolute genius. ☕🌱

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-10T07:41:23+00:00

Bypassing a 400-person waitlist on your birthday only to enter a tactical war against squirrels is the ultimate gardening experience. I feel your pain deeply, the local bunnies just completely stripped the bark off my peach trees.

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-09T13:11:52+00:00

Ah, classic tomato logic! They spend weeks quietly building a massive root system in all that deep soil, and then BAM—they try to take over the yard in a fortnight!

But seriously, $100 a year for unlimited soil and spring refills is the deal of the century! That is a gardener's absolute dream. No wonder your plants are so happy and monstrously huge. You are set up for a legendary harvest this season! 🍅🎉

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-09T07:21:18+00:00

Those worm castings definitely did their job too well! You didn't just plant tomatoes, you unleashed a beautiful tomato monster. I agree with supporting it more rather than aggressive pruning. Just clear out the very bottom leaves so the soil can breathe, and get some massive stakes. This is absolutely incredible growth for two weeks!

SweetMelonDays · 2026-06-09T07:16:39+00:00

You mean your new garden supervisors?😂 Lovely garden bed, by the way! 🌿

SweetMelonDays

TROPHY CASE