There is a quiet, almost meditative ritual to growing tomatoes that anyone with a bit of dirt under their fingernails knows well. At the heart of it is the constant battle against the side-shoots—those ambitious little suckers that sprout in the “V” between the main stem and the leaves. Left to their own devices, they will transform your tidy, productive vine into a chaotic, leafy jungle.

If you want a bumper crop of rich, sun-warmed fruit rather than a massive bush of green leaves, you have to get used to regularly pinching them out. Removing these side shoots stops the plant from wasting resources on growing new branches; the tomato funnels all its strength into building a sturdy main stem and swelling those beautiful, ripening trusses.

Timing, however, is everything. While you can technically do this chore at any point in the day, the absolute best time to head out to the garden is first thing in the morning. When the sun is just coming up, the plants are completely turgid—fully hydrated and plump with water absorbed overnight. At this early hour, the side-shoots are remarkably crisp. You won’t need to fumble around for a pair of pruners or scissors; you can simply catch the shoot between your thumb and forefinger, give it a sharp bend, and feel it snap off cleanly.

It is an incredibly satisfying sound and feeling, and it does less damage to the plant, too. A clean snap creates a smaller wound that heals much faster in the morning sun, reducing the risk of disease creeping in. Plus, there is something deeply rewarding about starting your day with the sharp, nostalgic scent of tomato foliage on your hands. Consistent morning checks keep the task manageable, ensuring your tomatoes stay focused on what they do best: growing flavour.