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How to prune a tomato plant

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published January 10, 2025

Pruning tomato plants is an essential gardening technique that can significantly improve fruit production and plant health. Removing unnecessary growth can direct the plant's energy towards producing more and better-quality tomatoes. This article will show you how and when to prune tomatoes.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

How to Prune a Tomato Plant: Step-by-Step Guide

We will start by identifying the plant and pruning the tomato plant thoroughly.

Identify Your Tomato Plant Type

Determining the type of tomato plant is essential, as it will tell us how often to prune them.

Determinate Tomato Plant

  • These grow to a fixed size and produce fruit over a short period.
  • Pruning should be minimal to avoid reducing fruit yield.

Indeterminate Tomato Plant

  • These plants grow and produce fruits throughout the season.
  • Regular pruning is important to keep tomato plants healthy and productive.


Right Time to Prune

Timing is critical when you are learning how to prune a tomato plant.

  • Start early pruning when the plant is about 12-18 inches tall and has established strong roots.
  • Prune early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the plant is less stressed.
  • Avoid pruning in wet conditions, as wet leaves increase the risk of fungal infections in plants.

Check the Plant

Before you start pruning, inspect the plant closely for these:

  • Check for suckers; they are the small shoots growing between the main stem and branches.
  • Locate unhealthy leaves, such as yellow, damaged or diseased leaves, near the base of the plant.
  • Determining which branches or leaves are obstructing the airflow or sunlight to prevent overcrowding.

Caution

Clean pruning shears before and after use with a disinfectant like 70 percent isopropyl alcohol to prevent the spread of disease. Wear gardening gloves to avoid contact with pests and diseases on the plant and keep your hands safe from tools.

Maintenance

Pruning is not a one-time task. For optimal results, maintain your plants throughout the growing season.

  • Weekly inspect for new suckers and remove them thoroughly.
  • Trim the damaged leaves or branches that show signs of diseases or pests.
  • As the plant grows, you should tie stems to support structures to prevent breakage. Secure stems to garden stakes or adjust tomato cages.
  • Add a layer of mulch at the base to capture moisture and prevent weeds.
  • Use a balanced fertilizer to replenish nutrients without overloading the plant.

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