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Pruning excess growth and underperforming stems will direct the precious energy the plant has into developing fruits. But pruning is not only helpful for health. And, pruning dense areas of leaf growth improves airflow around the plant, again preventing fungal disease.Īs tomato plants are incredibly prone to a wide range of pests and diseases, any task that prevents these problems should be a top priority – including pruning. Trimming areas that touch the floor (or at least tying them to a stake) will prevent the transfer of soil-borne diseases too. Removing damaged branches makes the plant less susceptible to pests and diseases. However, that doesn’t mean there are no reasons to prune whatsoever.įor starters, pruning can make your plants healthier. Plenty of gardeners grow healthy tomatoes every year without pruning at all. Pruning is not essential to the health of your tomato plants. Ultimately, once you’ve weighed up the benefits and the performance of your plants, the choice is up to you. Pruning is a debated topic amongst tomato gardeners, with staunch defenders on either side. And, depending on your type of tomato and the part of the season you’re in, you can add pruning to that list too. From fertilizing at the right time to battling pests and diseases, there is a list of things to consider. There are many factors involved in producing the perfect tomato.
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