Think it or not, one of the most essential chores you can perform to ensure success for your tomato plants is to prune them! It not just makes a huge distinction in a tomato plant’s overall health, however also stimulates on a more efficient crop.
and fertilizing chores. But perhaps most importantly– it is one of the simplest garden chores you will ever perform! Here is a look at how to prune your tomato plants this year to assist grow your best crop ever. We also have consisted of listed below our video tutorial on pruning as well.
How To Prune Tomatoes
Create Area At The Bottom Of Plants
Much of the rot and illness that affect tomato plants originates from the soil. Soil borne illness such as tomato blight are triggered from spores living in the dirt below.
Especially when it rains or when plants are watered. By clearing out the lower branches and foliage, you decrease the chance of infection and spread. In addition, that open area produced from pruning provides plants enhanced air flow. And added air is vital for growth, pollination– and keeping mildew at bay too!
How To Prune The Bottom Locations Of Tomato Plants
Just how much to prune up from the bottom depends upon what type of tomato plant you are growing. (See Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes)
Determinate varieties tend to grow brief and bushy. For these smaller design plants, prune up so that there has to do with 8 to 10 inches of open area near the bottom.
Prune Tomato Plants Slowly
Do this gradually as the plant grows through the season. Start by removing the very first couple of branches early on. As the plant continues to grow and fill out, you can continue to prune up to get to the full height of open area.
For big, indeterminate varieties like Brandywine, Black Krim, and so on, more area should be cleared. For the larger tomato plant ranges in our garden, we prune up anywhere from 12 to 18 inches. The space created by cutting this lower level of branches permits for exceptional air flow and light to the plants. That air circulation and light do
marvels to keep mold and disease in check. It also makes it hard for crawling ground pests and pests to get a simple lift up to your plants. As an added benefit, it also provide you simple access to the root zones of our plants for watering and fertilizing. (See: How To Fertilize Garden Plants For Success)
Having open area at the bottom of plants makes watering and fertilizing easy. When area at the bottom is cleared out, be sure to use a great 2 to 4 ″ layer of straw or shredded leaf mulch.
Not just will it help to prevent weeds, it keeps the soil wetness and temperature managed. It will also help keep those soil borne disease spores from splashing up to the higher limbs.
Pruning The Middle & & Tops Of Tomato Plants
In addition to the lower sections of tomato plants, it is likewise essential to clear space from the middle and tops of plants.
We always prune back any “wild branches” from our tomato plants that cross over into courses. We likewise clear out a couple of middle branches to let light and air into the mid-section of the plant.
That causes longer ripening times and less fruit. We tend to choose the branches with little to no flowers on them. This way, the more productive branches that stay can continue to establish their fruit.
Do not overthink or over-prune at this moment. Merely remove a few branches and stems to permit a little light in.
Prune Out Disease & & Damage At all
times, remain on the lookout for any branches or leaves that might reveal signs of black spot or mold. Eliminate these branches instantly to assist stop any illness from spreading out from plant to plant.
How & & When To Prune The Tops Of Tomato Plants
Our last little pruning generally comes in mid to late summertime. At this point, much of our tomato plants begin to grow too tall for our assistances. We simply top off the plants to keep them workable.
How To Prune Tomatoes– Video Tutorial
It enables the plant to direct it’s resources to ripening fruit, and not growing more foliage. It also makes harvesting much simpler, and prevents splitting and breaking of branches that end up being too heavy to support.
What About Suckers
What about the suckers on tomato plants? Well, lots of folks still remove these, and it certainly does not damage the plants to do so.
We utilized to do this also, however stopped after years of experimenting in our garden revealed us it just does not impact our crop yields or plant health.
How To Prune Tomato Plants– A Few Final Hints & & Tricks
Constantly make certain to use a sharp set of hand pruners or heavy-duty garden scissors. Dull blades will tear the plants, triggering damage and tension. Be sure when completed to wipe down or clean the blades to keep any contamination at bay. (Product Link: Fiskars Hand Pruners)
Always use sharp pruners or scissors when pruning. In addition, it’s best to prune tomatoes early in the early morning or late night. Plants are at their highest tension level during mid-day sun, so avoid this time completely.
Delighted Pruning, And Gardening!– Jim and Mary
As constantly, do not hesitate to email us at thefarm@owgarden.com with comments, questions, or to just say hello! To get our 3 Home, Garden, Dish and Easy Life posts every week, register listed below for our free email list. This post may consist of affiliate links.
Related Post
