How to Prune Compact Cherry Tomato Plants

Compact cherry tomato plants are perfect for small-space gardening, but in order to ensure a healthy and productive plant, pruning is necessary. Pruning promotes better air circulation, reduces the risk of disease, and encourages growth of the tomato fruit. Follow these steps to prune your compact cherry tomato plant.

Step 1: Identify the Suckers

Look at where the branches of the plant meet the main stem – these are called “suckers”. They are small shoots that grow in the joint between the main stem and lateral branches. Suckers can grow quickly and take up a lot of the plant’s energy, so it’s important to remove them in order to direct that energy towards fruit production.

Step 2: Remove Suckers

Using a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears, identify the suckers on your plant and remove them. Try to remove the sucker as close to the stem as possible to avoid damaging the main plant. Repeat this process regularly throughout the growing season to keep the plant healthy and productive.

Step 3: Remove Excess Foliage

If the plant has excess foliage that is preventing light and air from reaching the fruit, it’s time to trim it down. Remove any leaves that are blocking the fruit from receiving adequate sunlight. This will also prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Step 4: Prune for Size Control

If your compact cherry tomato plant is growing too large for your space, you can control the size by pruning back the branches. This will also promote more fruit production, as the plant will redirect its energy into producing fruit instead of growing larger. Look for branches that are growing too long or have new suckers forming, and trim them back to a manageable length.

Step 5: Mulch and Fertilize

After pruning, add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Cherry tomatoes are heavy feeders and will benefit from regular fertilizer applications throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10, or use an organic option like compost or worm castings.

Pruning compact cherry tomato plants may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s an important step for ensuring a healthy and productive plant. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to growing your own cherry tomatoes right at home.