Why You Should Prune Your Vining Tomatoes (Even If It Feels a Little Scary)
If you’ve ever paused with pruning shears in hand, wondering whether trimming back your tomato plant is the right move, and not even sure how to do it, you’re not alone. I’ve only started pruning mine for the last few years because I didn’t know how, and that it was even needed. It can feel strange to cut off healthy-looking stems and leaves—but it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your tomatoes.
Pruning helps your plant focus on producing fruit instead of excess foliage, and it creates space for better airflow and sunlight—two things tomatoes need to stay healthy and productive.
This is especially important in humid or rainy weather when plants are more susceptible to viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases. By thinning out excess stems and leaves, you reduce the risk of these issues and set your tomato plant up for a healthier, more productive season.
Start about 2–3 weeks after planting, once your tomato has had a chance to settle in. Choose the thickest, healthiest stem to be your main stem, and trim any competing stems at the base. Keep an eye out for new sprouts that pop up from the bottom and snip those too.
When your tomato starts to flower, it’s time for another important step: remove all the leaves below the first cluster of flowers. Yes, your plant may look a little bare—but don’t worry. This helps prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing up during watering or rain, and encourages your plant to put its energy into what you really want—more tomatoes.
If you’re ready to get hands-on in the garden, be sure to download my Simple Tomato Pruning Guide
