Introduction

Tomatoes are among the most common plants grown in most households worldwide. They are easy to cultivate, and it's always great to harvest fresh tomatoes from your garden. However, once you start growing tomato plants, you might begin to worry about how to maintain them properly. One of the main concerns that most gardeners have is knowing what to cut on a tomato plant. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about cutting tomato plants.

Why do you need to cut a tomato plant?

One of the reasons why you need to cut tomato plants is to manage their growth. Tomato plants have a tendency to keep growing even they reach a certain height. Consequently, pruning them prevents them from becoming too bushy, and it enables you to direct the plant's energy to the fruit. Additionally, cutting a tomato plant also can prevent the spread of disease and pests within the plant.

When should you cut a tomato plant?

The ideal time for cutting a tomato plant is when it is young. As soon as the plant reaches 12-18 inches tall, make the first cut. Additionally, you can continue making cuts every 2-3 weeks as you cultivate the plant. Ideally, you want to cut the tomato plant in the morning or in the evening when the sun is not too scorching.

What to cut on a tomato plant?

There are several parts of a tomato plant that you can cut, including:

Suckers- Suckers are small branches that grow at the intersection of the main stem and the side branches. They usually don't bear fruit, so it's essential to cut them to provide the fruit on the plant with maximum nutrients from the soil, light, and air.

Yellow leaves - Yellow leaves are a sign that your plant is not well, and it could be an indication of a disease or pest infestation. You should cut them off as soon as you notice them.

Brown leaves - Similar to yellow leaves, brown leaves can also be a sign of a pest infestation or a disease. You should cut them off as soon as you can to avoid spreading the disease.

Non-fruiting branches - Non-fruiting branches are the branches that do not have any flowers or fruits. They should be cut to redirect the plant's energy to the fruiting branches.

How to cut a tomato plant?

When cutting a tomato plant, here are the steps to follow:

Sanitize your cutting tool to avoid spreading diseases.

Locate the part of the tomato plant you want to cut.

Cut the branch as close to the base as possible, without damaging the stem or the adjacent branches.

If you are cutting a large branch, make the cut in sections to prevent damage to the plant.

If the cut is large, use a stem sealant to prevent infections.

Conclusion

Cutting a tomato plant is an essential part of its maintenance process. It helps to direct the plant's energy to the fruit and prevent pest infestations and diseases. Remember, when cutting tomato plants, make sure the cut is clean, and the tool you are using is sanitized. With these tips, you can be sure that your tomato plant will remain healthy and fruitful, giving you the desired yield.