Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of pruning tomato plants? Picture this: you stroll into your backyard garden, the sun is warm against your face, and you’re greeted by a lush oasis of tomato plants, bursting with vibrant colors and promising a bountiful harvest. But here’s the secret sauce that can take your tomato-growing game to the next level: pruning.

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How do tomato plants grow?

There are two categories of tomato plants: determinate and indeterminate, each has some pretty distinct differences. The most prominent one being their growing habits. Determinate tomatoes grow to a set height and then focus on producing and ripening the tomato fruit. They can range in size from an extra dwarf variety like the Orange Hat Tomato to roughly three feet tall like the Red Pride Bush Tomato. An indeterminate tomato, on the other hand, will continue to grow and grow and produce and ripen tomato fruit and grow and grow some more. Indeterminate tomatoes have more of a vining growth habit and can put on some serious growth in a single season.

Do tomatoes really need a trellis or support?

This is where knowing the growth habit of your tomato plant really becomes important. A determinate or bush habit tomato likely will not need a trellis or support system (though some of the taller determinate varieties may still appreciate one). However, our long vining friends, the indeterminate tomato will almost definitively need some sort of support system unless you want it to absolutely take over your garden and grow in every direction (trust me- I’m speaking from experience here!).

Now, to each their own, if you like the look of a wild garden, let those tomatoes run free! The fun part of our year of the unruly garden was that the following you we had SO many volunteer tomato plants pop up in our garden. But if you’re like the majority of gardeners, a neat and bountiful garden brings serenity and pride. If you fall into the latter group, you will absolutely want some sort of trellis, support system or tomato cage.

Why pruning tomato plants is important

The top reason to prune tomato plants is to encourage the plant to focus more on producing and ripening fruit as opposed to pushing out leaves and growing more foliage. Not only does this keep your tomato plant neater but it also helps to unleash a more substantial harvest.

Another reason for pruning tomato plants is to allow better airflow. Tomatoes don’t like to be too wet. This can create fungal or disease problems. When you remove some of the foliage, this helps the tomato plant to dry off a bit quicker and minimize the chance for disease to take over.

Our little friends the determinate tomato plants likely won’t need much of any pruning. This technique is geared more towards our long leggy indeterminate tomatoes.

How to prune tomatoes

What you will need:

• Clean pruners
• Twine (as needed)
• Garden gloves (optional)

Two primary approaches come to mind when discussing how to prune tomatoes. The first being snip off any leaves or branches that are touching the ground. Fungal diseases often spread from the soil to the branches and foliage touching or closest to the ground. You may often find yellowing leaves are closest to the ground and this is an indication of distress to that part of the plant. You should typically prune up your tomato plant at least 6-9 inches.

The second approach is to snip off any “suckers.” A sucker is basically another branch growing in the “v” of the main stem and another branch. Use clean and sharp pruning snips to make clean cuts just above the base of the sucker.

You’ll want to ensure that you are careful when pruning to avoid scraping or harming the main stem or branches that you want to stay intact. Be careful not to remove too many leaves or branches all at once, as they provide the necessary shade and support. Regularly monitor your plants and repeat the process throughout the growing season for optimal results.

Additionally, as the plants grow taller you’ll want to leverage the supports or tomato cages. This is also where some twine may come in handy. You can loosely tie a branch of the plant to the supporting structure. This will help control the direction the plant grows as well as redistribute some of the weight of the branch to help keep it from breaking as the fruit begins to grow.

Conclusion

Now, you should have a solid understanding of why pruning is a game-changer and how to tackle it with confidence. Remember, the benefits of pruning tomato plants extend far beyond mere aesthetics. By embracing this practice, you’re empowering your plants to reach their full potential. Pruning allows for improved air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases and pests. It directs the plant’s energy towards fruit production, resulting in larger, juicier tomatoes. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to shape and control your garden, creating a visually pleasing and organized space.

As you embark on your pruning journey, keep a few key principles in mind. First, always use clean and sharp tools to make precise cuts, minimizing damage to the plant. Second, be strategic in your pruning approach, targeting the right branches to remove and leaving the strongest ones intact. And finally, don’t forget to observe your plants closely and adjust your pruning techniques accordingly. Each tomato plant is unique, and understanding its growth patterns will help you make informed decisions.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to refine your skills or a beginner taking the first steps towards a green thumb, pruning tomato plants is an essential technique to master. Embrace the process, enjoy the therapeutic benefits, and relish in the joy of growing your own mouthwatering tomatoes.