How to Keep Cherry Tomato Plants Small

Cherry tomato plants can grow quite tall and take up a lot of space in your garden. But don't worry, there are some techniques you can use to keep them smaller and still produce a bountiful crop.

1. Pruning

One of the easiest ways to keep cherry tomato plants small is to prune them regularly. When you prune your plants, you remove the top growth of the plant, which helps prevent them from growing too tall. Additionally, pruning can also help improve air circulation around the plant, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

You should start pruning your cherry tomato plants when they reach about 12-18 inches tall. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove the top few inches of the plant, including any new growth. Be careful not to remove too much of the plant, as this can limit your yield. Prune your plants once a week until they stop producing new growth.

2. Pinching

Another way to keep cherry tomato plants small is to pinch back the new growth regularly. When plants grow, they typically produce new growth at the tip of each stem. If you pinch back this new growth, you can prevent the plant from getting too tall and encourage it to bush out instead.

To pinch your cherry tomato plants, simply use your thumb and forefinger to remove the tip of each stem. You can do this once or twice a week, or as needed to keep the plant under control. Be sure to pinch back the new growth that is tallest or closest to the top of the plant.

3. Crowding

If you want to keep your cherry tomato plants small, you should avoid overcrowding them. When plants are too close together, they may compete for nutrients and sunlight, which can cause them to grow taller in an attempt to get more light. Additionally, crowded plants are more susceptible to diseases.

When you plant your cherry tomato plants, be sure to give each plant enough space to grow. A good rule of thumb is to space your plants 2-3 feet apart. If you don't have enough space in your garden, you can also consider growing your cherry tomato plants in containers, which can be placed on a patio or deck.

4. Fertilizing

Finally, if you want to keep your cherry tomato plants small, you should avoid over-fertilizing them. When plants get too much nitrogen, they tend to grow taller and produce more foliage instead of focusing on fruit production.

Instead, use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer once a month, following the instructions on the packaging. Additionally, consider adding compost to the soil around your plants, which can help improve soil health and promote healthy growth.

Conclusion

By using these techniques, you can keep your cherry tomato plants small and still enjoy a bountiful crop of delicious cherry tomatoes. Remember to prune regularly, pinch back new growth, avoid overcrowding, and fertilize appropriately, and your cherry tomato plants will thrive.