Is the Practice of Pruning Tomato Plants Important?
Got Tomato Pruning on Your Mind? Time to Make a Decision, Gardener!
Are you constantly being told that tomato plants need to be pruned? It seems that everyone has an opinion on this gardening topic. But when it comes down to it, the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.
People sure do love to argue about tomato pruning. But why, you ask? Is it due to tradition, or perhaps because their grandma or gardening guru told them so? Chances are it's based on their own experimentation and observations.
You'll find conflicting information about tomato pruning everywhere you turn. So, just like we encourage any gardener to do, I took the plunge and tested it out in my garden. The results were obvious and have changed my approach to pruning forever.
Want to know more? Tune in to the latest episode of The Backyard Bragger Podcast where we dive deep into pruning tomatoes, including the benefits and drawbacks, and the results of my very own pruning experiment. Check it out now!
What Does It Mean to Prune Tomatoes?
When your tomato plants grow, their main stem extends upward, while lateral stems sprout from the sides. At their intersection, you'll find a shoot known as a "sucker." This small shoot can grow into a full-blown main stem with more lateral stems and suckers if left unchecked.
What Tomatoes Don't Need Pruning?
When it comes to pruning, we're discussing indeterminate tomatoes. Indeterminate tomatoes continue growing all season, unless stopped by frost or disease. On the other hand, determinate tomato plants, like Roma tomatoes, produce a big batch of fruit all at once and then stop growing.
Pinching off a tomato plant's suckers is not necessary for determinate tomato varieties. If you do, you'll inadvertently limit your harvest. For the rest of our discussion, we'll focus on pruning indeterminate tomatoes.
Should You Prune Tomatoes? Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits of Pruning Tomatoes
- Preventing Fungal Diseases: Pruning can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases like early blight or septoria leaf spot since good air circulation inhibits their spread.
- Tidy Garden: Pruning keeps your garden neater by controlling the size of your tomato plants, making it easier to care for and harvest them.
- More Sunlight on Leaves: Pruning can help ensure enough sunlight reaches the lower leaves, improving photosynthesis and, thus, overall plant health.
- Larger Tomatoes: Pruning results in fewer flowers, which means fewer tomatoes. But, if your plant produces fewer tomatoes, the remaining fruit may grow larger. According to a Purdue study, there was a 25% increase in fruit size when suckers were pruned[1].
Drawbacks of Pruning Tomatoes
- Opening Up Wounds: Cutting suckers creates wounds that may become pathways for diseases or insects.
- Limiting Photosynthesis: By removing leaves and stems, pruning reduces the plant's ability to produce sugar.
- Less Plant Support: Leaves help shade the fruit, protecting it from sunscald, especially in hot climates.
- Reduced Yield: Pruning can lead to a lower overall yield because it reduces the number of fruiting sites on the plant. A Purdue study found a 38% increase in yield when pruning was not carried out[1].
Time to Experiment
Still confused about pruning? Have a go at it yourself in your garden! Grow a couple of tomatoes you prune and a couple you don't, and compare the results. Your individual garden conditions will impact your success, so it's best to see what works best for you.
[Click here to access our FREE guide on natural pest control for your garden!]
Sources:[1] Purdue University - Prune or Don't Prune Tomatoes?[2] NC State University - Pruning Tomatoes[3] University of Minnesota - Tomato Pruning[4] Indiana University - How to Prune Tomatoes[5] Iowa State University - How to Prune Tomatoes
- For gardening enthusiasts seeking expert advice on tomato pruning, don't miss the latest episode of The Backyard Bragger Podcast, where they delve into the benefits and drawbacks of pruning tomatoes, along with the results of a home-and-garden lifestyle enthusiast's very own pruning experiment.
- To truly understand the impact of pruning on tomatoes, consider experimenting in your own garden by growing a few pruned tomatoes and a few unpruned ones, to observe how they fare under your specific garden resources and conditions.
- If you've ever debated whether to prune or not, our extensive garden printables portfolio can help you make informed decisions for your indeterminate tomato plants. Find resources on the potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as tips on best practices for gardening these lush and productive plants.
