The Ultimate Guide to Pruning Tomatoes: Boosting Yield and Preventing Disease
Wondering how to improve the quality of the tomatoes and encourage better fruit production? Pruning is the answer! Many gardeners prune tomato plants to speed up the ripening process and contribute towards better quality while keeping plants from growing too large. Before deciding whether it is necessary to use this method or not, it is essential to consider why they are pruned. Today, I will discuss in detail the process and why it is important for boosting growth and preventing disease.
Before I get started, you're obviously here because you want to learn more about gardening. I love sharing my knowledge, but I didn't always know what I know now. I learned over many, many, many years and still continue to! Tomatoes to me are the gateway vegetable, much like chickens for homesteaders. Once you've eaten a homegrown tomato, you won't go back to store bought. It is sweet and warm and just delicious! That's why I put together this guide. Because I want everyone to have the opportunity to eat the tomatoes off the vine, make the tomato sandwich or just process some nutrient dense delicious fruit. So, let's read through and understand more about pruning tomatoes.
Pruning
Tomato plants produce a lot of leaves and fewer fruits. Therefore, the gardeners need to prune it regularly to balance the leaf and fruit production. That way, the plants direct their energy towards fruit production rather than producing more foliage. Pruning takes just a few minutes and can be done in a few simple steps. Below, we have listed the steps to guide you through the process:
Identify the type of tomato
The first step to pruning tomatoes is identifying whether you are growing a determinate or indeterminate variety. You can find this information on the identification tags, seed packets, or nursery catalogs. For example, indeterminate tomato plants include "cherry tomatoes," "heirloom tomatoes," "big boy" etc. Meanwhile, determinate tomatoes include "Roma," "ida gold," "Patio F," and "celebrity."
Remove Suckers
Unless growing up a trellis, the next step is removing the suckers, which are the excess growth on the plant that can sap energy. They are found in the joint between the stem and the branches and are known to divert any additional excess energy away from the primary branches and main stem. You should trim for better air circulation and overall health of the plant. Moreover, it is essential to note that the indeterminate varieties will benefit from the sucker's removal. However, the determinate should have them removed below the first flower cluster. Anything above that level can lead to fruit loss. Ideally, I recommend cutting them out when they are small because when they are large, it can stress or damage the plant. Additionally, you must check the plant regularly as suckers continue to develop during the season.
Tools: You may remove small suckers by pinching; however, for large suckers, you need to cut them with scissors or pruning shears. You should also utilize sterilized tools while rubbing alcohol in between to reduce disease.
Remove lower branches
It is essential to note that the branches on the lower part of the plant that touch soil are susceptible to viral or bacterial infections, which can spread to the plant. Removing these branches will allow better air circulation towards the base of the plant while minimizing the spread of disease. Besides, the top third of the plant is what is most efficient at photosynthesizing. So, prune those lower branches!
Provide support
While pruning provides support for the tomato plant to grow upright, this can be done with wire, trellis, stakes, or growing up a trellis. Don't even think about getting those tomato cages for an indeterminant tomato. They won't do the job and will end up having a giant plant you can't reach and prune properly. Use those cages for your zukes or your peppers, but not for your tomatoes.
Cutting out damaged foliage
Damaged foliage can sap the plant's energy and make it susceptible to pests and diseases. The plant is trying it's best to keep that branch alive. But why waste the energy? If you notice any signs of yellow or brown leaves or disease on any foliage or branch, then the affected part should be removed immediately.
Top pruning
Towards the end of the growing season, the best thing to do is to "top the plant" or cut lead stem on the vining tomatoes. This will stop the plants from growing any further, and all energy can be focused on ripening the existing fruit.
Note: Ensure to prune the bottom 2 feet of the indeterminate tomato plant and grow them up with a trellis for support. I recommend not over-pruning. By this, we mean that removing too many leaves may expose the fruit to too much sun, resulting in scalding of the fruit skin. Just remember, if you are not skilled in this process, the less is better.
Benefits of Pruning Tomatoes
I love pruning my tomatoes until August, then I let them go wild! But there is a reason to my madness. Pruning tomatoes allow you to reap some benefits. These can include:
Reduce disease
Tomatoes are susceptible to diseases such as bacterial wilt and blight, which can impact the harvest or even kill plants. Pruning helps improve airflow, reduce humidity, and allow foliage to dry out quickly.
Improves plant vigor
It allows sunlight to go towards the center of the plant for more vigorous and boosting growth.
Larger fruit
Removing foliage allows plants to focus all their energy on producing fruit, resulting in larger fruits and much better airflow.
Reduced breakage
Unpruned plants may have broken branches or collapse from the weight of excess foliage. Therefore, this technique massively contributes to plant overall health.
Size
When you prune regularly, you can keep the plant at a more suitable size and prevent it from sprawling. Vining tomatoes can be easily trained onto the trellis or other support, which helps you maintain for better harvest.
When to Prune Tomatoes?
The best time for pruning tomatoes is when the first flowers open up. Typically, this is late June to early July across most regions. You should then cut the plant every week after initial pruning. Stay on top of it in our area or you'll have a jungle for sure! Also, stop pruning it around two weeks before you suspect the fruit is ready to harvest. Additional coverage can help delicate fruits during the ripening process.
Tips for Pruning
Pruning can result in open wounds, which are the entry point for infections. Therefore, wash your hands properly and use hand sanitizer frequently.
If using pruners, keep them clean by wiping them with a diluted bleach solution or using alcohol. This is between plants too so as not to cross contaminate.
Trimming can make the plant susceptible to pathogens and other stresses when it is wet or in hot, humid weather. Therefore, prune on days when it's slightly overcast or avoid pruning when the plants are wet.
That's it, guys, the best way I know to prune tomatoes for an abundant harvest. Tomatoes are what many people struggle with, but I hope this guide will empower beginner and experienced gardeners to achieve a more bountiful and resilient harvest. Trust me, whether growing tomatoes on your balcony or in the backyard, this guide will equip you with the skills needed for excellent plant yield and growth.
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