Introduction

Old tomato plants can often develop overgrown or damaged branches that need to be trimmed to encourage new growth and maintain plant health. Trimming tomato plants can also improve the quality and quantity of the fruit produced. In this article, we will discuss how to properly trim old tomato plants.

Tools Required

To properly trim old tomato plants, you will need a few basic tools. These include a pair of clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors, gloves, and a bucket to collect the cuttings

When to trim tomato plants

It is important to trim tomato plants at the right time to avoid damaging the plant or reducing its fruit production. Trimming tomato plants should be done during the growing season, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler. It is also advisable not to trim tomato plants when they are in bloom or when they have just produced fruit.

How to trim old tomato plants

Here are the steps to follow when trimming old tomato plants:

Step 1: Inspect the plant

Before trimming the tomato plant, start by inspecting it to identify the areas that require pruning. Look for any dead, diseased, or broken branches, as well as any suckers coming out of the plant's stem. Suckers are new shoots that appear where the leaf and stem meet. They can produce fruit, but they can also reduce the plant's overall health and fruit yield if left unchecked.

Step 2: Identify the branches to trim

Once you identify the areas that need trimming, use the pruning shears to remove the damaged, diseased, or dead branches. Also, pruning removes suckers that can divert nutrients from the main stem and reduce fruit production. Only trim branches that are more than one-third damaged or diseased. Avoid cutting off any healthy branches as this can hinder the plant's growth and fruit production.

Step 3: How to prune suckers

To prune suckers, use your hands or a pair of scissors to pinch off the suckers where they meet the stem. Pinch or cut the suckers when they are still small – no larger than a couple of inches – to avoid damaging the stem or leaving an ugly scar. It is also important to remember to leave the main stem and other healthy branches intact when removing suckers from the tomato plant.

Step 4: Collect and dispose of cuttings

Once you have finished trimming the tomato plant, collect all the cuttings in a bucket or any other container for disposal. It is essential to dispose of the cuttings properly to avoid the spread of diseases or viruses that may be present in the cuttings. Consider burning the cuttings, burying them deep in the ground, or disposing of them in a trash bin.

Conclusion

Trimming old tomato plants is essential to keep them healthy, promote new growth, and improve their fruit production. When trimming the tomato plant, it is important to inspect it, identify the areas that require pruning, and avoid cutting healthy branches. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid spreading any diseases or viruses present in the cuttings. Furthermore, avoid trimming tomato plants when they are in bloom or after producing fruit. Proper trimming of old tomato plants will ensure that they grow healthy and produce plenty of high-quality fruit.