Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, but they can also be one of the most frustrating. Weak plants, small yields, and inconsistent fruiting leave many gardeners wondering what went wrong.
Want More Tomatoes This Season?
If you want more tomatoes this season, the key isn’t in fancy fertilizers or complicated techniques—it’s all about strategic pruning.
The Secret to Bigger, More Productive Tomato Plants: Prune Smart, Not Hard
Tomato plants grow fast, often producing a jungle of leaves before they focus on fruit production. While lush foliage might seem like a sign of healthy plants, too many leaves can actually steal energy away from tomato growth.
The solution? Removing unnecessary suckers and lower leaves to redirect the plant’s energy where it matters most.
Step 1: Identify and Remove Suckers
Suckers are small shoots that grow between the main stem and a branch (in the “V” shape of the plant). If left alone, they turn into extra stems, which means more leaves but fewer high-quality tomatoes.
How to Do It:
- Locate suckers in the crook between the main stem and side branches.
- Gently pinch them off with your fingers when they’re small (under 3 inches).
- If they’ve already grown large, use sharp pruning shears to cut them at the base.
Why This Works:
- Fewer stems mean the plant directs more energy toward growing large, flavorful tomatoes.
- Better airflow around the plant reduces the risk of diseases like blight and powdery mildew.
- Sunlight reaches the fruit more effectively, leading to better ripening.
Step 2: Trim the Lower Leaves
Tomato plants don’t need all of their lower leaves, especially once they start setting fruit. The leaves closest to the soil are most likely to spread disease and suck up resources that could go toward fruit production.
How to Do It:
- When your plant starts setting fruit, remove the bottom 6-12 inches of leaves.
- Snip them off at the base with clean scissors or pruning shears.
- Avoid over-pruning—always leave enough foliage to protect tomatoes from sunscald.
Why This Works:
- Prevents soil-borne diseases from splashing onto leaves when watering.
- Encourages airflow around the base, reducing mold and fungus issues.
- Allows the plant to focus on growing and ripening tomatoes instead of taking care of extra leaves.
Step 3: Support Your Plants Properly
Pruning works best when paired with proper support. Whether you use tomato cages, stakes, or a trellis, keeping your plants upright prevents overcrowding and makes sure that pruned stems don’t touch the ground.
If you don’t provide any support the plants will actually fall over and grow along the ground – but, that can also mean a main stem break from bending over.
Best Methods for Support:
- Single-Stem Staking: Attach the main stem to a stake and remove side growth for a strong, vertical plant.
- Florida Weave: Weave twine between rows of plants to create natural support.
- Cages: Keep the plant contained while still allowing for airflow and easy pruning.
Bonus Tip: Fertilize at the Right Time
Once your tomatoes start producing, feeding them properly can make all the difference. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers (which encourage excessive leaf growth) and opt for a balanced or phosphorus-heavy fertilizer to support flowering and fruiting.
Best Fertilizer Choices:
- Fish emulsion or seaweed-based liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
- Compost tea for a slow-release nutrient boost.
- Bone meal or rock phosphate for strong root and fruit development.
The Result? More Tomatoes with Less Effort
By focusing on smart pruning, airflow, and proper support, your tomato plants will grow healthier, produce more fruit, and avoid many common gardening issues.
This small trick—removing unnecessary suckers and lower leaves—can make a huge difference in the size and quantity of your harvest this season.
Try it out, and get ready for a bumper crop of juicy, homegrown tomatoes!
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