How to cut side shoots from tomato plants

Tomatoes are a popular vegetable in many home gardens. One of the most important tasks in maintaining healthy and productive tomato plants is pruning. Pruning helps to keep the plant healthy, encourages fruit production, and can even help to prevent disease. One of the key pruning techniques for tomato plants is to cut side shoots or suckers. In this article, we will take you through the steps of cutting the side shoots from your tomato plants.

Step 1: Understand what side shoots are

Before you start cutting the side shoots from your tomato plants, it's important to understand what they are. Side shoots or suckers are the small growths that appear in the 'V' formed between the main stem of the plant and the leaves. These growths can drain energy away from the main plant and reduce tomato production. By cutting them off, you can encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing healthy fruit.

Step 2: Identify the side shoots that need to be cut

The first step is to identify the side shoots that need to be removed. Take a close look at your tomato plant and identify any small growths that are sprouting out from the 'V' formed between the main stem and the leaves. These growths will be thin and tender and can easily be snapped off by hand.

Step 3: Use pruning shears to cut the side shoots

Once you've identified the side shoots that need to be removed, it's time to get your pruning shears. Make sure that your shears are clean and sharp before you start cutting. Hold the side shoot with one hand and use the pruning shears to cut it off as close to the main stem as possible. Be careful not to damage the main stem or any nearby leaves.

Step 4: Dispose of the cuttings

Once you've cut off the side shoots, dispose of the cuttings properly. You can add them to your compost pile or dispose of them with your yard waste. Do not leave the cuttings on the ground near your tomato plant as they can attract pests and diseases.

Step 5: Repeat the process regularly

To keep your tomato plants healthy and productive, it's important to repeat the process of cutting off side shoots regularly. The best time to prune your tomato plants is when they are young and small. You should aim to prune your tomato plants once a week during the growing season.

Conclusion

Cutting side shoots or suckers from your tomato plants is an essential task for any gardener. It helps to keep the plant healthy, encourages fruit production, and can even prevent disease. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily prune your tomato plants and enjoy healthy and productive tomato harvests.