How to Prune Bushy Multi Stem Tomato Plant

Tomatoes are one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in a home garden. However, they can quickly become bushy and unmanageable if not pruned properly. Pruning is essential to keep your tomato plants healthy, promote growth, and increase yield. In this article, we will discuss how to prune a bushy multi stem tomato plant.

Determine the type of tomato plant

Before you begin pruning, it is essential to determine the type of tomato plant you have. There are two types of tomato plants - determinate and indeterminate. Determinate tomato plants grow to a fixed height and stop producing fruits, while indeterminate tomato plants grow continuously and produce fruits throughout the season. If you have an indeterminate tomato plant, pruning is essential to control its growth and maximize its yield.

Identify the main stem

The first step in pruning a bushy multi stem tomato plant is to identify the main stem. The main stem is the thickest stem that grows from the ground and supports most of the plant's weight. It is essential to keep the main stem healthy and strong by removing any suckers that steal nutrients and water from the plant.

Remove suckers

Suckers are small shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches. They can quickly develop into new stems and compete with the main stem for nutrients and water. It is crucial to remove suckers as soon as they appear to prevent them from growing into new branches. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears to snip off the suckers as close to the main stem as possible.

Trim lower branches

The lower branches of a multi stem tomato plant usually receive less sunlight and produce fewer fruits than the top branches. To promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration, it is necessary to remove some of the lower branches. Trim the lower branches at the bottom of the plant, leaving a few inches of stem to support the plant.

Support the plant

As tomato plants grow, they become heavy and require support to prevent damage to the stems and fruits. Tie the main stem to a sturdy trellis or stake, using soft twine or plant ties to avoid damaging the stem. You can also use a tomato cage to support the plant, which allows it to grow upwards and prevents it from drooping.

Avoid over pruning

While pruning is essential to keep your tomato plant healthy, it is vital not to overdo it. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this can stunt its growth and reduce its yield. Also, avoid pruning during the hottest part of the day, as this can stress the plant and damage the leaves and stems.

Conclusion

Pruning a bushy multi stem tomato plant can be a challenging task, but it is essential to keep your plant healthy and productive. By identifying the main stem, removing suckers, trimming lower branches, and supporting the plant, you can maximize its growth and yield. Remember to avoid over pruning and prune during the cooler part of the day to prevent damage to the plant. With proper pruning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy tomatoes from your home garden.