pruning tomato plants - Ask Extension
when and how do I prune the sucker leaves off of my tomato plants
Knowledgebase
pruning tomato plants #869624
Asked May 22, 2024, 1:38 PM EDT
when and how do I prune the sucker leaves off of my tomato plants
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Your plant may have more fruit if you let the suckers grow, but the tomatoes will be smaller.
Snap off any suckers at the stem with bare hands when they are small - about 1/2 inch. Cut stems thicker than a pencil with pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. Prune leaves near the base of the plant to prevent soil-borne diseases that can splash onto leaves. Trim suckers and unnecessary flowers on a weekly basis during peak growing season. Clean the shears with an alcohol wipe before pruning different plants to avoid spreading any disease.
Snap off any suckers at the stem with bare hands when they are small - about 1/2 inch. Cut stems thicker than a pencil with pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. Prune leaves near the base of the plant to prevent soil-borne diseases that can splash onto leaves. Trim suckers and unnecessary flowers on a weekly basis during peak growing season. Clean the shears with an alcohol wipe before pruning different plants to avoid spreading any disease.
