I live in St. Michael. I have a raised bed in which I grow tomatoes. A soil test I did this spring revealed that the nitrogen was low. I added nitroge...
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Too much nitrogen #908637
Asked July 06, 2025, 7:05 PM EDT
I live in St. Michael. I have a raised bed in which I grow tomatoes. A soil test I did this spring revealed that the nitrogen was low. I added nitrogen to the soil but realized too late that I had misunderstood the directions. The plants have grown quite large, but it’s almost all foliage. There have been very few blossoms. Have I ruined this year’s crop? Is there anything I can do to save the plants. Would it help to prune them back a little as they’re so overgrown? If yes, how should I do that?
Wright CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
Yes, pruning can help. Focus on removing some of the excessive foliage to allow better air circulation and light penetration. Look for suckers—these are the small shoots that grow in the leaf axils (where leaves attach to the stem). Removing these can redirect the plant's energy from leaf production to flowering and fruiting. For best practices, prune on a dry day to reduce the risk of disease. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and remove suckers when they are about 3 or 4 inches long. Make clean cuts to promote healing and reduce exposure to pathogens. See
Now that you've added nitrogen, you might want to shift your focus to balancing nutrients. While it's important for tomato plants to receive nitrogen, excess nitrogen can hinder blooming. After pruning, consider switching to a fertilizer with lower nitrogen content and higher phosphorus and potassium, which support flowering and fruit development. https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=333465
Ensure the plants are not stressed by other conditions such as overly dry soil or extreme temperatures, which can also affect blooming.
While pruning and adjusting your fertilization strategy can greatly improve the situation, it’s essential to remember that recovery may take time, and there will likely be some reduction in fruit yield this season. Keep tending to your plants, and you may still get a good crop later in the growing season. If you're concerned or unsure, reaching out to your local extension office for additional guidance may also be beneficial.