Tomato plants have a tendency to grow much larger than their allotted area. Hence, pruning them becomes essential, so as to curtail their growth within the confined space. Another advantage of pruning is that it helps in keeping the fruit off the ground and healthy. However, tomato plants need to be pruned carefully or else, you might end up distorting the harvest completely. In the following lines, we have provided information on how to prune tomato plants effectively, without harming the crop.
Pruning A Tomato Plant
- The ideal time to prune a tomato plant would be when it has grown beyond the area it was confined to. Make sure you use sharp clean shears while pruning, otherwise the risk of spreading a disease increases.
- All through the growing season, pinch the branch tips. This makes the plant grow bushy and full. Whenever you pinch a branch, ensure that you remove only the last set of two leaves, including the stem.
- In case there are any unwanted or non-blooming branches, cut the entire portion. However, remember to keep some leaves for providing shade and preventing sun scald to the growing fruit.
- If there are any dead or faded foliage, remove it from tomato plants. However, do not cut the branches that are green and flowering.
A Tip
- Sow the seeds of the plant in such a way that the tomato plant grows on the fence. Growing it vertically also helps during the harvesting period.
