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Tomato Pruning 101

Boost Your Harvest with Proper Pruning Techniques

Today, I want to share some insights about pruning your tomato plants. When I began my gardening journey 12 years ago, I didn’t know the importance of pruning. In my first year, I ended up with huge plants that took over my Tower Garden, even choking out other plants. I also made the mistake of planting four full-sized tomato plants at once. I had a Tower “tomato tree” but very little tomato production. I couldn’t figure out why my harvests were so small despite the massive plants.

What Should You Look For?

In my second year, I adjusted by planting one determinate and one indeterminate tomato plant (more on these types shortly). I planted them on the bottom row, across from each other on my Tower Garden. While I saw some improvement, I still wasn’t achieving top yields, and the tomatoes took forever to ripen. The upside was that I didn’t overshadow other plants, thanks to more strategic planting.

Finally, I learned about pruning by watching YouTube videos—it was an aha moment! I discovered why pruning is essential and how to do it properly. That year, I had tomatoes galore and was able to share them with family and friends.

Understanding Tomato Types

Before diving into pruning techniques, it’s crucial to know what type of tomato you’re growing: determinate or indeterminate.

Determinate Tomatoes

Characteristics: Also known as patio tomatoes, determinate varieties are smaller and grow more compactly. Their size is “determined,” meaning they reach a certain height and stop growing.

Fruit Production: They bear many tomatoes all at once but will continue to produce at a lesser rate afterward.

Pruning Needs: This type doesn’t require much pruning since it doesn’t produce many suckers or extra branches. The only pruning needed is the removal of yellow or dying leaves.

Ideal for Indoor Growing: Determinate tomatoes are perfect for the indoor Tower Garden Home unit. At True Garden, we offer varieties like Micro Tom, Tiny Tim, and Washington Cherry. They’re also great for patio pots and fit perfectly in the Lettuce Grow Farmstand.

Indeterminate Tomatoes

Characteristics: When you think of a classic tomato plant, you’re picturing an indeterminate variety. These plants continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost, reaching heights of at least 6 feet, though most grow to 3-4 feet depending on the variety.

Growth Habit: They tend to vine out and require support from a trellis or cage.

Pruning Needs: Pruning is crucial for these full-sized tomato plants to maximize fruit production and manage growth.

Why Prune Your Tomato Plants?

1.Increase Fruit Production: Trimming off suckers and unnecessary stems allows the plant to focus on developing blossoms and fruits. The more energy the plant spends on growing leaves, the less it has for forming and ripening fruit.

2.Maintain Plant Health: Pruning keeps plants compact and tidy. Fewer leaves mean less water stays on the plant, reducing the risk of diseases that spread through wet foliage.

3.Improve Air Circulation: Removing excess foliage increases air flow, further reducing disease risk. It also allows sunlight to reach the canopy, strengthening the stem.

How to Prune Your Tomato Plants

Follow these steps to effectively prune your indeterminate tomato plants:

1.Timing: Begin pruning when your plants are 12–18 inches tall. It’s also advisable to remove any blossoms until the plant reaches this height to encourage stronger root and leaf development.

2.Prune in Dry Conditions: Always prune when the plant is dry. Pruning in warm, dry conditions allows the cuts to seal properly, preventing disease.

3.Identify the Main Stem(s): Locate the 1–3 main stems of your plant. Never cut these stems.

4.Remove Lower Leaf Branches: Find your first set of tomatoes or buds and remove the large leaf branches below them. These branches grow sideways off the main stem. Do not cut the main stems themselves.

5. Eliminate Suckers: Suckers grow in the “V” intersection between the main stem and the main leaf branches. Regularly removing suckers prevents them from becoming additional stems that divert energy from fruit production. Small suckers can be easily pinched off with your fingers.

6.Remove Yellow or Diseased Leaves: Eliminating these leaves helps prevent the spread of disease and encourages healthier growth.

7.General Tips:

Limit Pruning: Never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Clean Tools: Ensure your hands and pruning tools are clean to prevent introducing diseases to the plant.

Final Thoughts

Pruning your tomato plants may seem like extra work, but the benefits are well worth the effort. You’ll enjoy increased yields, healthier plants, and more delicious tomatoes to share with friends and family.

Happy gardening!

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