How to Prune Cherry Tomato Plant

Introduction

If you are growing cherry tomatoes, you want a plant that is not only healthy but also produces plenty of fruits. However, sometimes the plant can become bushy, making it difficult for sunlight and air to reach the lower branches. When this happens, it is essential to prune your cherry tomato plant. Pruning helps improve plant growth, increase fruit production, and reduce the risk of plant diseases.

When to Prune Cherry Tomato Plant

The ideal time to prune cherry tomato plants is when the plant is well established and has developed its first set of flowers. You should prune the plant regularly throughout the growing season. It is best to avoid pruning during hot, dry weather or when the plant is under stress.

How to Prune Cherry Tomato Plant

To prune cherry tomato plants, you need a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors. Here are the steps to follow when pruning your cherry tomato plant:

Remove all suckers from the base of the plant. Suckers are the tiny stems that grow between the main stem and the branches of the plant. These suckers can absorb needed resources, and if left grow too much, can make the plant develop more unproductive branches. Pinch the suckers gently using your fingers, but for large suckers with woody stems, use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.

Trim the lower branches of the plant. These are the branches that rest on the ground, and they can easily come in contact with soil-borne diseases or pests. Remove them using sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Remove any yellow or diseased leaves. Yellowing leaves are an indication of plant disease, and they should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove the yellow leaves, and dispose of them in a sealed bag. Do not let them remain in the garden.

Prune any branches that block sunlight and air from reaching the fruit. These branches might appear overgrown or crossing each other, causing obstruction to growth. Prune off the top parts of the branch or the whole branch if necessary using sharp pruning shears.

Conclusion

Proper pruning of cherry tomato plants is essential to ensure your plant has a healthy and productive life. Careful trimming of branches will encourage your plant to grow and produce more fruit. It is essential to prune your cherry tomato plants regularly to avoid overcrowding, and to allow plenty of air and light to penetrate the plant. By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your cherry tomato plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.