3 Pruning Mistakes to Avoid for Thriving, Productive Tomato Plants
Pruning tomato plants is essential for maximizing yield and maintaining plant health.
However, improper pruning can stunt growth, reduce fruit production, or even invite disease. Here are three common pruning mistakes to avoid:
While removing excess leaves can improve airflow and reduce disease risk, over-pruning exposes fruit to direct sunlight, causing sunscald. Always leave enough foliage to shade and protect the tomatoes.
Over-Pruning the Foliage
Suckers, the small shoots growing between the main stem and branches, should be removed from indeterminate tomato plants to direct energy toward fruit production
Ignoring Suckers on Indeterminate Varieties
However, determinate varieties should be left alone since they produce fruit all at once.
Ignoring Suckers on Indeterminate Varieties
Using unclean or blunt pruning shears can introduce bacteria and fungi to your tomato plants. Always sanitize your tools before pruning and ensure they are sharp to make clean cuts.
Pruning with Dirty or Dull Tools
By avoiding these pruning mistakes, your tomato plants will remain healthy, strong, and more productive throughout the growing season.