How to Prune an Aerogarden Tomato Plant

Having an Aerogarden with tomato plants can be a great way to bring fresh, home-grown tomatoes into your life. However, without regular pruning, your tomato plants can become overgrown and produce fewer tomatoes overall. This article will provide the steps and tips for how to properly prune your Aerogarden tomato plant for optimal production.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Tomato Pruning

Before starting to prune, it's important to understand the basics of tomato pruning. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and growers, so without proper care, they can put all their energy into growing leaves and stems rather than producing fruit. Pruning helps redirect that energy into fruit production while keeping the plant tidy and healthy.

Step 2: Identify the Suckers and Remove Them

The first step in pruning is identifying and removing the suckers. Suckers are the small branches that grow between the main stem and a leaf or stem branch. They don't produce fruit and draw energy away from the primary stem. To remove the suckers, use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears and carefully cut them off at the base of the plant.

Step 3: Pinch Off Extra Flower Stems

As tomato plants grow, they will produce extra flower stems that can detract from overall fruit production. To encourage growth in the remaining stems and fruit, pinch off any extra flower stems that may have grown. The tomato plant will direct its energy into the remaining fruit and stems instead of dividing it among the extra flower stems.

Step 4: Remove Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves on your Aerogarden tomato plant can be a sign that they're not getting enough nutrients or that they've reached the end of their lifespan. Removing these leaves can help your plant focus its energy on producing fruit rather than trying to sustain unhealthy branches. Use clean pruning shears to carefully cut off any yellowing leaves and dispose of them properly.

Step 5: Support the Main Stem

As your Aerogarden tomato plant continues to grow and produce fruit, it may become heavy and wobbly. Supporting the main stem with a stake, trellis, or cage can help prevent the plant from breaking or falling over. This step is not necessarily pruning, but it is an important part of maintaining your Aerogarden tomato plant's overall health and productivity.

Final Thoughts

Pruning an Aerogarden tomato plant may feel intimidating at first, but with proper guidance, it's a simple process that can help your plant grow stronger and produce more fruit. Remember to always use clean, sharp pruning shears and to dispose of any removed branches or leaves properly. With a little bit of care and attention, your Aerogarden tomato plant can become a thriving source of fresh, delicious tomatoes.