What Parts of Tomato Plants Should be Pruned

Pruning tomato plants is an essential garden practice that helps to promote healthy growth and higher fruit yield. By removing certain parts of the plant, you can redirect energy towards the parts that matter the most. However, pruning can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to growing tomatoes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the parts of tomato plants that should be pruned for optimal growth and production.

1. Suckers

Suckers are small shoots that grow between the main stem and the leaves of a tomato plant. Although they can develop into productive branches, suckers often sap the energy from the main stem and other fruit-bearing branches. Therefore, it's essential to remove them promptly. To do this, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the sucker off the plant closely. Avoid pulling the sucker off by hand as it can damage the main stem.

2. Bottom Leaves

The bottom leaves of tomato plants are the oldest and the first to develop. As the plant grows, the bottom leaves can become diseased or discolored, making them unproductive. To promote better air circulation and prevent the spread of disease, it's essential to remove the bottom leaves regularly. Simply use your hands, scissors, or pruning shears to cut them off, making sure not to damage the stem.

3. Non-Fruiting Branches

Tomato plants can sometimes grow branches that don't bear any fruit. These branches will take energy away from the fruit-bearing branches and slow down the plant's growth. To avoid this, remove any non-fruiting branches as soon as possible. Similar to removing suckers, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut them off closely to the main stem.

4. Lateral Branches

Tomato plants can also develop lateral branches, which grow from the main stem and don't produce fruit until the end. While some gardeners leave these branches, others choose to prune them. Pruning the lateral branches will allow the plant to focus more energy on the fruit-bearing branches, which can lead to bigger, healthier tomatoes. To prune lateral branches, use pruning shears to cut them off at the base, leaving only the fruit-bearing branches.

5. Overcrowded Fruit

When tomato plants have too many fruit on one branch, it can result in smaller, less flavorful tomatoes. To avoid this, prune out any overcrowded fruit by removing the smaller ones or the ones that are not developing properly. This will allow the remaining fruit to grow to their full potential and produce larger, healthier tomatoes.

Conclusion

Pruning tomato plants can be a challenging task, but it's essential for healthy growth and higher fruit yield. By understanding which parts of the plant to prune, you can redirect the plant's energy towards the parts that matter the most. Always use sharp tools, and make sure not to damage the main stem when pruning. With a little practice, you'll be able to prune your tomato plants like a pro, and enjoy a bountiful harvest.