Do I Need to Prune My Tomato Plant?

If you're growing tomato plants, you may have heard about pruning. But what is it, and do you really need to do it? In this article, we'll go over the basics of pruning tomato plants to help you decide whether it's the right choice for your garden.

What is Pruning?

Pruning is the act of cutting back parts of a plant to encourage certain behaviors or growth. In the case of tomato plants, pruning is typically used to remove suckers - small shoots that grow in the axils between the stem and branches of the plant.

Why do we remove suckers? Because they can take away energy that would otherwise go to the main stem and fruit. By removing suckers, we can channel that energy into the fruit, resulting in bigger and better tomatoes.

When Should You Prune?

There are two main times to prune tomato plants: early in the growing season, and as they mature.

Early pruning involves removing any suckers that are present when the plant is still young. This helps to direct energy to the main stem and initial fruit set, which can lead to larger overall yields.

Later in the season, you may want to do a more extensive pruning. This can involve removing all of the suckers that have grown since the initial pruning, as well as any branches that are no longer producing fruit. This can improve air flow through the plant, which can reduce the chances of disease and pests.

How Do You Prune Tomatoes?

To prune tomato plants, you'll need a sharp pair of scissors or pruners. The basic steps are as follows:

Inspect the plant to identify any suckers or branches that need to be removed.

Position your scissors or pruners in the axil (the point where the sucker/branch meets the main stem).

Make a clean cut through the stem.

It's important to make a clean cut so as not to damage the main stem or leave any jagged edges that could be a point of entry for disease.

Conclusion: To Prune or Not to Prune?

So, do you need to prune your tomato plant? The short answer is no - you can certainly grow tomatoes without pruning. However, pruning can help to improve yields, reduce disease, and keep plants more manageable.

Ultimately, the decision to prune comes down to your personal preference and the goals you have for your tomato plants. If you're looking for maximum yield and plant health, give pruning a try. If you're happy with the way your plants are growing without it, there's no need to change anything.