While I haven't seen a discussion of Postawski's book in particular, there has been many discussions about pruning here. I've seen that book's advertising and nearly bought it, but decided time spent in greenhouses probably taught me what he wrote. I've suggested in a few threads that greenhouse techniques are being recommended for all conditions, and 'I think' this is an error. I was referring to Postawski and a few others with that comment.

I suspect some of the educated experts around here can explain scientifically why three leaves are not going to do the job for a heavy set of outdoor tomatoes in most of our growing zones. Very simply, my understanding is the leaves create the sugar that is delivered to the fruit while protecting it from sunscald. Greenhouse cultivars like Trust are very much different plants specifically bred for single stem, heavy pruning, indoor, hydroponic growing. This is very different than outdoor growing.

I did my own experimenting this year in Las Vegas like high desert conditions, extreme dry heat. The early results for heavy pruning, though not as severe as your books suggests, were pretty good for larger fruited plants, not so good for cherries. Basically I got fruit much earlier off of the pruned plants, but the cherries almost seemed injured from the amputations, and one picked up fusarium while the others thankfully resisted it.

Here in midseason, the heavily pruned larger fruited plants are now behind in production. I have had to fashion fake foliage out of burlap and old sheets to protect their fruit from sunscald. Pruning hasn't been worth the extra effort. Once I let the pruned cherries branch out they really took off. Had I kept a careful record, it's probable the wounded cherries ended up being as or more productive than the others. I dunno, it's close. But it was still unnecessary.

I think there's one obvious benefit to heavy pruning. You can squeeze more plants into less space allowing you to sample a better variety of the myriad heirlooms discussed around here. And I think there's one not so obvious but fairly well documented other benefit. You can get fruit earlier. I will likely prune a plant here and there going forward for this reason only. Earlier does not equate to more though. My experience is less. I don't believe you necessarily get bigger fruit by pruning, though I suspect it is true with some cultivars, primarily greenhouse varieties.

I guess it is really up to you if you want to do this. A third possible benefit is the plant is easier to support with simple stakes or string trellising from above. I was a little brainwashed by all the online advice before coming here and reading very successful, knowledgeable, and experienced growers adamantly against pruning. Digdirt Dave's input, Containerted's and Raybo's pictures (and many others) should be all anyone needs to see to know pruning is not necessary for fantastic results. Those guys (and many others) know what they're doing. They do not prune.

Yes there are several past discussions here about it. Just use the forum search using 'organic magic' to review the discussions if you wish.

Dave

• "Yes there are several past discussions here about it. Just use the forum search using 'organic magic' to review the discussions if you wish."

I wish I had thought of that search before my other posts. I was searching "pruning" and "suckering". Searching "organic magic" brought up the type of conversation I was looking for. Too bad I didn't do that before experimenting. ;)

Never hurts to experiment Bob. As long as we are willing to pay the price for the failed experiments.;) That's how we learn - hands on experience.

That is why many of us find this particular book to be a big crock? Not to mention all the flashing neon and gimmicky marketing it uses on its website.

Dave