How to Prune Cherry Tomato Plants Video

Cherry tomatoes are a popular crop for both home gardeners and commercial farms. The small, bite-sized fruits have a deliciously sweet taste and are perfect for snacking and adding to salads. However, like all tomato plants, cherry tomato plants need regular pruning to ensure they produce a healthy crop. In this video, we'll show you how to prune cherry tomato plants to get the most out of your harvest.

Tools and Materials:

Before we start pruning, let's make sure we have the right tools and materials on hand:

Pruning shears

Gloves

Stakes or cages

Twine or ties

Once you have everything you need, it's time to get started!

Step 1: Remove Suckers

The first step in pruning cherry tomato plants is to remove the suckers. Suckers are small branches that grow from the main stem of the plant, usually in the crotch between the stem and a branch. If left unpruned, suckers will grow into large branches that steal nutrients and energy from the main stem, resulting in a weaker plant and smaller fruit.

To remove suckers, use your pruning shears to cut them off as close to the main stem as possible. Be careful not to damage the main stem in the process. If you're unsure whether a branch is a sucker or a productive branch, look for the telltale signs of a sucker: it will be thin and green, and its growth will be pointing upwards.

Step 2: Stake or Cage the Plant

Once you've removed the suckers, it's time to stake or cage the plant. Cherry tomato plants tend to grow tall and leggy, so providing support is essential to prevent them from toppling over or breaking under the weight of their fruit.

You can stake a cherry tomato plant by tying it to a tall wooden stake with twine or ties. Alternatively, you can use a tomato cage, which is a wire frame that fits over the plant and provides support for its branches. Either way, make sure the plant is secured to the support structure so that it won't bend or snap in the wind.

Step 3: Remove Lower Leaves

Now that the plant is supported, it's time to remove the lower leaves. This will improve airflow around the plant, reduce the risk of disease, and allow sunlight to reach the fruit.

To remove the lower leaves, use your pruning shears to cut them off as close to the stem as possible. Aim to remove the leaves that are touching the ground or the base of the plant. Do this carefully, taking care not to damage the stem or any of the remaining leaves on the plant.

Step 4: Prune the Top of the Plant

The final step in pruning cherry tomato plants is to prune the top of the plant. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too tall and spindly.

To prune the top of the plant, use your pruning shears to remove any branches that are growing above the top of the support structure. Aim to leave a few healthy branches near the top of the plant, but remove any that are dead, diseased, or crossed over each other. This will ensure that the plant has enough light and airflow to produce healthy fruit.

Conclusion

Pruning cherry tomato plants is an essential task that ensures a healthy and productive crop. By removing suckers, supporting the plant, removing lower leaves, and pruning the top, you'll help your cherry tomato plants reach their full potential. With a little care and attention, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious, sweet cherry tomatoes.