This Controversial Garden Tip Might Be the Secret to Bigger Yields

There’s a piece of garden advice that tends to split folks right down the middle.

Some swear by it. Others think it’s total nonsense. And then there’s the quiet group in the middle—the ones who tried it once, didn’t hate the results, and just kept doing it.

This Controversial Garden Tip Might Be the Secret to Bigger Yields

So what is this so-called “controversial” tip?

Pruning vegetable plants.

Yep, trimming. Cutting. Snipping away parts of your healthy, growing plants on purpose.

It feels totally backward. After all, the goal is to grow more… so why would anyone intentionally take parts of the plant off?

Here’s the thing: when it’s done right, pruning can lead to healthier plants, fewer diseases, and way more food. But it has to be done smart.

Let’s break it down.

Why People Are Nervous About Pruning

First, it just feels wrong. You spend all that time nurturing your plants from seed, and then someone tells you to go cut parts off? No thank you. (same goes for “thinning” I HATE “killing” perfectly good poor little babies..)

Second, there’s fear of doing it wrong. What if you cut too much? What if you ruin the plant? What if it doesn’t grow back?

Totally fair concerns.

But once you understand why it works, it all starts to make sense.

What Pruning Actually Does

When you prune, you’re redirecting the plant’s energy.

Instead of putting resources into growing more leaves and stems, the plant shifts its focus to fruit production. You’re helping it stop wasting energy.

Think of it like this: a cherry tomato plant will grow as big as you let it. But all that leafy growth doesn’t guarantee a better harvest. Sometimes it just means more plant—and less food.

Don’t forget, too, that unhealthy or less healthy plants draw in pests – they have a radar for plants that are struggling. A couple of years ago, I let my tomatoes go and then I had a stink bug infestation – just running around stabbing almost every tomato – ruining them – just one stab on this one, and one stab on that one,… they had run amuck!

Pruning helps stay healthier and prioritize what you want it to grow: fruit.

When (and What) to Prune

You don’t have to prune everything. But some vegetables definitely benefit from a little shaping:

Tomatoes – Remove suckers (those little shoots that pop up between the main stem and a branch) to reduce crowding and improve airflow.

Cucumbers – Trimming back side shoots can help reduce leaf mildew and promote better yields if you’re growing vertically.

Zucchini & Squash – Pruning lower leaves helps prevent powdery mildew and improves airflow—especially in humid climates.

Peppers – Early in the season, removing the first few flower buds helps the plant focus on growing stronger before setting fruit.

The Right Way to Do It

Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Don’t go wild—just remove what’s clearly crowding the plant or pulling energy away from the fruit.

And don’t feel like you need to shape it like a bonsai tree. This isn’t about perfection. It’s just giving your plants a gentle nudge to do what you actually want them to do.

So… Is It Worth Trying?

If you’re still skeptical, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: pruning isn’t about controlling your plants. It’s about working with them. Helping them focus their energy where it counts.

Give it a try on just one or two plants this season. Watch how they respond. Odds are, you’ll start to notice sturdier growth, fewer problems, and yes—more food.

Controversial or not… that’s hard to argue with.