Volunteer tomatoes?
Question:I feel bad for I am pulling theese as weeds.
what do you think?
out of garden space.
I almost feel like it is like abortion.
Answers:
For some reason I also feel bad and a little curious about weeding volunteer plants. Since most tomatoes are hybrids they don't grow "true" from seed, but that's the fun, to see what the new tomato will look like after the plant is open pollinated. I've had normal looking tomatoes most of the time but one year I had one that produced ribbed fruit like little red pumpkins. If you can find the room, save one for fun. RScott
If there is little room, they won't grow well.
Rip them out.
By definition, any plant growing where you don't want it is a weed. For example, if you're growing dandelions (for making dandelion wine), grass is a weed!
Pull them up with no guilt.
dont feel bad they dont grow very well anyway..maybe give some to a friend and you wont feel so guilty..
I usually leave the volunteer tomatoes. My regualr tomatoes are caged to 1) support them, and 2) protect them from critters. I view the volunteers as a bonus if they survive, and it gives the critters (squirrels, rabbits, cats) something to get to so that they don't go after my "good" plants.
But, if you don't want them, and are concerned about the space in your garden, then pull them. Technically, a weed is just an unwanted plant.
Good luck with your garden.
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