How to Prune Tomato Plants for More Fruit (and Happier Harvests)

If your tomato plants tend to look more like overgrown jungles by mid-summer than thriving produce machines, you're not alone. Many home gardeners start off the season full of hope, only to feel overwhelmed later when their tomato vines sprawl in every direction and fruit production slows. The good news? With just a bit of know-how and some regular care, you can coax your tomato plants to focus less on forming leaves and more on producing juicy tomatoes. Learning how to prune tomato plants for more fruit is one of the simplest — and most satisfying — tricks a home gardener can master. Whether you’ve got a handful of containers on a patio or raised beds full of heirlooms in the backyard, these steps can help you keep your plants healthy, productive, and tidy all season long.

Step 1: Understand Why Pruning Works

Before diving into the how, let’s take a minute to talk about the why. Tomato pruning isn't about making your plants look neat (though that’s a nice perk); it’s about redirecting the plant’s energy. Tomato plants naturally put out leafy shoots all season long, but not every branch will produce fruit. And too much leafy growth can reduce airflow and sunlight exposure, both of which are essential for healthy fruit development. By selectively removing certain parts of the plant, you:

• Improve air circulation (which helps prevent diseases like blight)
• Allow sunlight to hit ripening fruit clusters
• Concentrate the plant’s energy into fewer, higher-quality fruits

There are two main types of tomato plants: determinate and indeterminate. Pruning is especially important for indeterminate varieties, which grow and produce fruit all season long. Determinate tomatoes grow to a set size and ripen all at once, so they generally prefer minimal pruning.

“I didn’t realize how much of a gamechanger pruning could be until I saw the difference — my tomato yield nearly doubled, and my plants looked so much healthier.” — Joanna, reader in Ohio

Step 2: Start with the Right Tools

Pruning is precise work, and having the right tools makes all the difference. Tugging or tearing stems with your fingers can create ragged wounds that leave the plant vulnerable to disease. Instead, opt for a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears. We love the Fiskars SoftGrip Bypass Pruning Shears. The curved blade makes it easy to snip cleanly, and the cushioned grip is a blessing during long sessions in the garden. In addition to pruners, keep a small tub of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide nearby to sterilize the blades between plants. This helps prevent the spread of disease, especially if you’re working in a hot and humid climate.

Step 3: Remove Suckers Strategically

One of the main components of tomato pruning is sucker removal. "Suckers" are small shoots that grow in the crotch — or “axil” — between a leaf stem and the main stalk. Left to grow, these suckers will eventually form full-sized branches, competing with the main plant for nutrients and space. You don’t have to remove every single sucker — a little judgment goes a long way. Here’s a good general approach:

• Pinch off smaller suckers (under 2 inches long) with your fingers early in the season
• Use pruners for larger, thicker suckers to avoid damaging the plant
• Consider keeping a few suckers near the base if you want to encourage more fruit in determinate plants — just don’t let things get too crowded

Be sure to thin gradually. A little each week is better than removing large amounts all at once, which can stress the plant.

Step 4: Prune for Airflow and Sunlight

Once your plants start to grow taller, prune the lower leaves and stems that touch or come close to the ground. These leaves are more likely to be splashed by soil during watering or rain, which can lead to fungal diseases. Over time, aim to clear out the bottom 12–18 inches of the plant so that the main stalk stands clean and strong. This also makes it easier to spot pests and gives you better access for watering and harvesting. While you’re at it, remove any dead, yellowing, or diseased leaves, which sap the plant of resources and can harbor pests. Make sure the remaining fruiting branches have room to breathe. Air circulation and sunlight are key — crowded plants trap humidity, encouraging mold and mildew. Pair your pruning with structural support, like the well-reviewed Tomato Plant Support Cages with Adjustable Clips (Set of 3), to keep everything upright and organized without pinching tender stems.

Step 5: Maintain a Pruning Routine

Pruning isn’t a one-and-done deal. Tomato plants grow fast, sometimes developing suckers and new shoots within a few days. For the best results, make weekly pruning part of your garden care routine. Here’s a quick checklist you can use during your regular garden walks:

• Scan for new suckers and remove them before they get too large
• Check for yellow or spotted leaves — snip those off
• Look for crowded fruit clusters and thin lightly if needed
• Adjust plant supports to accommodate growth

Remember that healthy pruning is always balanced: you’re guiding the plant, not stripping it bare. A well-pruned tomato plant, propped up with the right support and given ample space, is a happier one — and a much more productive one too.

“Weekly pruning used to sound like a chore, but now it’s part of my Saturday morning coffee-and-garden routine. It’s oddly satisfying and makes all the difference.” — Brian, reader in Oregon

Bonus Tip: Support Healthy Roots with Mulch

While pruning takes care of what’s happening above the soil, you’ll also want to protect the roots below. After you've done your trimming, consider laying down a breathable mulch to keep soil moist and weed-free. A great option we’ve used is the GardenMate 6x33ft Plant Protection and Weed Barrier Fabric. It allows water to penetrate while helping prevent weeds and disease-causing splashback — perfect for keeping things tidy and tomato-friendly.

Helpful Tools from This Article

• Fiskars SoftGrip Bypass Pruning Shears
• Tomato Plant Support Cages with Adjustable Clips (Set of 3)
• GardenMate 6x33ft Plant Protection and Weed Barrier Fabric

A little pruning goes a long way when it comes to growing better, more bountiful tomatoes. By spending just a few minutes each week removing suckers, improving airflow, and supporting your plants, you’ll enjoy a more manageable garden space — and a bumper crop come harvest season. We’d love to see how your setup turns out — tag @PorchLightPicks and show us your garden!