When to Start Pruning Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are known for their sprawling nature and their need for support. But did you know that pruning those indeterminate tomato plants can actually lead to a bigger, healthier harvest? The trick is knowing when to start pruning.

Why Prune Tomato Plants

Pruning tomato plants has a number of benefits. By removing the suckers, the plant is able to send more energy to the fruit that has already set. This leads to larger, meatier tomatoes. Additionally, pruning can help to control pests and diseases by allowing better airflow and sunlight penetration throughout the plant.

When to Start Pruning

The best time to start pruning tomato plants is when they are still young. As soon as the plant has developed its first set of true leaves, it is time to start looking for suckers. Suckers are the small shoots that grow in the joint between the main stem and a branch or leaf. They will look like tiny shoots coming out of the armpit of the plant.

To identify the sucker, simply look for the tiny leaves growing out of the stem. If you nip it off with your fingers or a pair of pruning shears, it won’t harm the health of the plant. Suckers should be removed when they are small and soft. The larger they get, the harder they will be to remove and the more damage you may do to the plant.

How Much to Prune

When it comes to pruning tomato plants, less is often more. Some gardeners prefer to remove all the suckers, while others leave a few on the plant. In general, it’s a good idea to remove the suckers that are growing at the base of the plant and any that are growing below the first set of fruit.

It’s important to keep in mind that pruning too much can actually be counterproductive. If you remove too many suckers, the plant may become overly stressed and produce less fruit. It’s also important to resist the urge to prune during the hottest part of the day or when the plant is water-stressed.

Conclusion

In summary, pruning tomato plants can lead to a healthier, more productive harvest. By removing the suckers, you can give the plant more energy to focus on the fruit that has already set. Start pruning as soon as the plant has developed its first set of true leaves and be sure to remove only the small, soft suckers. Don’t prune too much or during the hottest part of the day and your tomato plants will be bigger and better than ever before.