Don’t Make These 8 Mistakes When Pruning Tomatoes for Better Results

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Want bigger and better tomatoes?

Pruning is key, but it’s easy to mess up.

Avoid these 8 common mistakes to get the best results.

Let’s make your tomato plants thrive!

Ready to learn what not to do?

Over-Pruning

Be careful not to get too prune-happy! While trimming your tomato plant helps it stay healthy, too much can do more harm than good. Over-pruning can cause stress and expose the fruit to sunscald. Aim to remove only the lower leaves and a few suckers. This ensures the plant gets enough light and air without going overboard.

Pruning Late in the Season

Timing is everything. Prune your plants early in the growing season, ideally when they are still young. Cutting back too late can remove flower buds and fruit, which means fewer tomatoes for you. Start when your plants are around 12 to 18 inches tall, and stick to that schedule.

Ignoring the Suckers

Suckers are those small shoots that grow in the joint of a leaf and the main stem. If left unchecked, they can turn into full branches, using up resources but bearing less fruit. Pinch them off when they’re small. It helps the plant focus its energy on producing more and better tomatoes.

Using Dirty Tools

Keep it clean, folks! Using dirty pruning tools can spread diseases from one plant to another. Make sure to disinfect your shears and scissors before and after each use. A simple mix of one part bleach to nine parts water works wonders.

Not Pruning at All

Neglecting to prune altogether can lead to overgrown, tangled plants. This mess can block sunlight and reduce air circulation, making your plants more susceptible to diseases. A little pruning goes a long way. Even if you can’t do a thorough job, some pruning is better than none.

Pruning When Wet

Try not to prune your tomatoes when the plants are wet. Doing it when they’re damp can easily spread diseases. Always wait until the plants and leaves are dry before you start cutting. This little tip can make a big difference!

Using Too Much Force

Go gentle. Tomato plants are pretty delicate, and pulling too hard can cause damage. Always use sharp, clean tools to make clean cuts. If you find yourself yanking or needing to use too much force, it’s time to sharpen your shears.

Removing Major Branches

Avoid taking off major branches unless absolutely necessary. Major branches are responsible for holding a lot of your tomatoes. Removing them can lead to fewer fruits and a weaker plant. Stick to trimming small suckers and leaves for the best results.