So even though the stem I was talking cutting about in the first picture doesn't actually have any buds on it cutting it will result in loss of tomatoes? Do you mean that stem could possibly produce tomatoes in the future or cutting that stem could cause stress to the one with buds already? Sorry I just want to make sure I understand so I know how to handle these things in the future :) Thank you for responding :)

The stem in pic 1 is called a lateral branch (they develop at the V between the main stem and a leaf branch). It is still young but it will grow into a secondary stem on the plant and will develop flowers and fruit. They do NOT suck energy from the plant - that's an old wives tale.

The one in the second picture is just a leaf (a branch made up of leaflets) and will never produce any fruit. You could leave it but it isn't needed and is hitting the pot edge so it can be removed with no effect on the plant.

What you are talking about is called "pruning" and there is a FAQ and lots of discussions here about it - the pros and cons - the search will pull up if interested.

Dave

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. :D I hope I actually get some tomatoes lol Never had any luck with veggies. Fingers crossed! :)

You'll do fine listening to these guys. A lot of learning goes on here

Oh I know there are very smart people on here. :) That's why I come here to ask questions. Probably too many questions lol :)

Never too many questions. That's why I like this fourm months. Always more answers than questions

Agree with all of the above, however you should note that an unpruned plant will grow much bigger and busher and therefore require more spacing (if in ground)/or a bigger container and a proper support structure.

If I were you, I'd cut that bottom branch and would also top up the container with more potting mix and perhaps some mulch when the weather hots up.

Just type 'mulch' into the search bar and get lots of discussions about it. But i see you have a bunch of dead fall leaves off to the side in the pictures. Dead leaves, especially if you can crunch/chip them up some make a great mulch and are free.

Dave