Last year, I found myself trimming my tomato plants quite a bit, and surprisingly, within a week, I noticed a good crop of new tomatoes. It seemed like the pruning was necessary for better yields. I was also using fertilizer, which I think helped with growth. Is this a common practice, or do you think weather conditions played a role in the cycle? I'm considering using this method in different beds to have fresh tomatoes when I want them. Any insights would be helpful!
3 Answers
From my experience, I think tomato plants grow and produce fruit at their own pace, regardless of how much they are pruned. Fertilizing and good weather definitely help. For instance, I grow some plants on a tall fence without pruning, but I do prune the ones staked. It’s all about supporting them well.
I completely relate! I’m still waiting for my tomatoes to bloom. It’s my first year gardening, and I think the lack of bees this season is affecting us. I’m about to trim off some leaves as well. Any tips on that?
It’s great to see us gardeners connecting over tips! Don't be discouraged—sometimes it just takes a bit longer for blooms to turn into fruit.
I grow indeterminate tomatoes and always prune them to keep about 16 inches of space between the plant and the ground. I also train mine on cattle fencing and trim back the longer branches to improve airflow. This method works wonders for me—harvest time is just around the corner! I typically plant them around June 1st.
I do something similar, usually tie mine to poles instead, and it makes a huge difference! Keeping them trimmed allows for better airflow and ultimately leads to a better crop.
Hey there from Columbus, OH! I have a bunch of tomato plants too, and I've only harvested a few so far. High temps can really impact pollen, so keep that in mind! If you aren’t seeing many bees, try hand pollinating by gently shaking the stems or using a toothbrush.