Here is a pic of how they're doing. These cucumbers are growing flowers at the base and I don't want this to stunt growth. If I pinch off the flowers, will new ones grow in their place? Or will these plants keep on flowering and growing at the same time? The variety of cucumber is marketmore 76. I believe it's determinate or semi-determinate.

I always pinch flower buds on plants that I am getting to root (especially on hard to root stuff). This is because of determinism. When a plant is flowering all the energy is being put into that flower to create seed and reproduce itself. It is beneficial to pinch the flower off. This will change the hormonal balance in the plant. It will make it regroup and make more roots and re-try to flower again. I would pinch, it should increase the success. DAN

YEP! what are you going to do with a newbie! We will answer your questions and convert you to a tomato fan. (grin) While it seems that many of the people on this forum grow heirlooms, we aren't going to toss you out if you grow hybrids. But most of us will think you are missing out on the fun and satisfaction of growing future generations of your tomatoes (and peppers and other heirlooms & open pollinated veggies and flowers) from seeds that you harvested and saved. Plus there is the fun of trading and collecting seeds (for the first year that may be buying, borrowing or saving from produce purchased at farmer's markets or other placed that carry NAMED heirloom's.) There are always some pushers growers that are willing to hook help you on heirlooms. Before too long you will be pushing sharing with other unsuspecting novices. SCENE 1: The local coffee shop. Tomato Fan: "Hey want to try some really amazing tomatoes? They are so good. You eat these and you will feel so good. Really, they are so delicious! And they have a history. I have some Brandywine and some Mortgage Lifter seeds. And I can get you some MariannaÂs Peace if you want them, they used to be the most expensive tomato seed in the world!" Tomato FanÂs table mate: "Well, I suppose I could try one, I do have a sunny spot in my yard that I could put it in. Tomato Fan: "Yeah, thatÂs great! That is the way I started, with just one heirloom." SCENE 2: A busy street corner just after last frost. Tomato Fan: (to man passing by) "Hi! Would you like to by an heirloom tomato plant?" Man: "No thanks, I donÂt have time or a place for a tomato plant. And if I did, IÂd want a new one, not an old tomato." Tomato Fan: (Laughs lightly) "Oh, heirlooms are old in their history, but the tomatoes are as fresh as can be when you pick them yourself and so much better than store bought. And they can be grown in biggish pots on your porch or patio, you just have to water them." Man: "Well, I donÂt knowÂ.." Tomato Fan: "Try one, youÂll love it! And it will help me out so I can buy some more seed envelopes and Â. Stuff." Man: "Ok, I will take one." Tomato Fan: (Giggles to herself and thinks "Another one hooked.") SCENE 3: Months later in a darkened alley. Tomato Fan: "Psssst! Hey buddy, yeah, you. Got any heirlooms ta sell or trade?" Unsuspecting bystander: "Get away from me you crazy gardener!" Bets

I would leave 3-5 fruit depending on how the tree continues to do. Each on their own branch and the ones closest to the interior of the tree. The ones at the end of the branches will weight them down and bend more easily than those closer to the trunk. Your tree is too small to get all those lemons to a decent size so pulling them off is a good idea regardless of the leaf drop. If you want smallish/normal sized lemons I'd leave 3 if you want small lemons more like the size of limes you could leave 5 but the quality would likely not be great.