Looking after
How to stop a plant
Pinching out the growing tip: to make a plant bushier, to stop it at the top of its support, or to let fruit ripen.
Find the growing tip at the very top of the main stem.
Pinch it off just above a leaf, with finger and thumb or snips.
The plant then puts its energy into fruit or side shoots instead of height.
When to do it
It depends on the crop. Tap one for the dates where you live.
TomatoEarly August, or at 5 trusses outdoorsDates for your area
ChilliAt about 20 cm tall, for a bushier plantDates for your area
AubergineAt about 30 cm tallDates for your area
CucumberAfter 2 leaves, under cover kindsDates for your area
Runner beanWhen they reach the top of the canesDates for your area
Broad beanOnce the first pods form, against blackflyDates for your area
BasilEvery week or two, for bushier plantsDates for your area
What it helps prevent
Before and after
More how-tos: looking after
Know when it’s time
Bia reminds you when each job is due, crop by crop, for your plot in your town. Free for 2 months.
App StoreComing soon