Pruning tomatoes and cucumbers – the secret to a gardener’s success
Pruning is one of the most important, but often underestimated tasks of a gardener. How and when we remove excess shoots or leaves depends not only on the quantity of the harvest, but also on its quality. Proper pruning helps plantsuse energy more efficientlyfor fruit ripening, reduces the risk of diseases and improves air circulation in the greenhouse, which is especially important for densely growing tomatoes and cucumbers.
It is important to know that the pruning rules for these two plants are different, what works for tomatoes may not work for cucumbers, so it is worth delving into the needs of each plant.
Basic pruning rules
Air circulation
Densely planted plants create a moist, poorly ventilated environment, perfect conditions for fungal diseases and pests. By pruning excess leaves and shoots, we open the plant to light and air. This is especially relevant for tomatoes, which are easily infected with powdery mildew or phytophthora when growing densely.
Distribution of energy to fruit
A plant has a limited amount of resources, if we allow it to produce lateral shoots or mass of leaves in moderation, most of the energy goes to the growth of "greenness" instead of producing fruit. Pruning allows you to control this distribution, by removing unnecessary shoots, the plant directs all its energies to the harvest.
Disease prevention
Contact of leaves with the soil, too dense growth, stagnant moist air - all this creates excellent conditions for the spread of diseases. Regular pruning removes aging, damaged or diseased leaves and reduces the risk of infection.
Maintaining the proper shape of the plant
Especially in the greenhouse, it is important to have a clear structure of the plant, whether it is a single-branched tomato or a vertically growing cucumber. Proper pruning helps the plant grow into a chosen shape that is easier to maintain, tie and support.
Tomatoes and cucumbers are two favorite but very different fruits
It is recommended to start pruning tomatoes when the plant reaches the 5-6 leaf phase and begins to release the first axillary shoots, usually this happens 3-4 weeks after planting. Pruning not started on time will require more effort later and can cause stress to the plant.
How to prune?
1. Removal of axillary shoots for tomatoes
Axillary shoots, growing between the main stem and petiole. They look like little extra stalks, but if you don't remove them, they will quickly sprout and rob the fruit of energy. It is best to remove them when they are still small, about 3-5 cm long. This can be done by hand or with a clean knife.
Tall tomatoes are usually formed with one stem, so all side (axillary) shoots are removed.
Dwarf varieties sometimes do not need severe pruning, some of them also produce on side shoots, but their excessive abundance still reduces the size of the fruit.
2. Top pruning
For tomatoes, at the beginning of August, when the days begin to shorten, it is recommended to cut the top of the stem leaving 2-3 leaves above the last bunch of inflorescences. This helps the plant to focus on ripening already established fruits.
For cucumbers, top pruning is done when the plant reaches the maximum desired height - usually at the top of the greenhouse or if it is necessary to limit its growth.
In the first 4-5 axillary spaces of the plant (low from the root), all shoots and flowers are removed to strengthen the roots first.
As it continues to grow, 1-2 fruits can be left in the side gaps, and the side shoots can be shortened, usually up to 2 leaves in length.
Common mistakes
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Too late top removal for tomatoes
If the top is removed in August - September, the plant may not have time to ripen the fruit, and part of the flowers remain useless. -
Axillary shoots not emerging on time
Axillary shoots grow quickly, they can reach 15-20 cm in a week and turn into a second main stem. Later, when they are removed, the plant experiences stress, and the wounds heal more difficult. -
Pruning in wet weather or using dirty tools
This increases the risk of infection. Always use clean, disinfected tools and prune in the morning on a dry day.
Cucumber pruning
Do all cucumbers need pruning?
It depends on the breed. Self-forming cucumber varieties produce a limited amount of side shoots and usually do well without additional intervention. Meanwhile, varieties that require shaping, especially those grown in a greenhouse, produce a lot of side branches and flowers that, if left unchecked, can compact the plant and reduce yield. Therefore, before pruning, it is worth knowing what variety you are growing.
When to start pruning?
Cucumbers should be pruned for the first time when the plant reaches the stage of 4-5 true leaves. This means that it has already strengthened enough, and the flowers or shoots that appear at that time can be formed without damage.
How to prune?
At the beginning, it is recommended to remove all axillary shoots and flowers in the lower part of the plant, up to about the fifth leaf. In this way, we help the plant to strengthen its root system and not waste energy on early fruits. Later, as the plant rises, 1-2 fruits are left on the side shoots, and the shoots themselves are shortened to 1-2 leaves. Such formation helps the plant to remain neat and productive.
Top removal
When the cucumber reaches the ceiling of the greenhouse or the desired height, it is a good idea to stop the growth of the top. This stops the excessive elongation of the stem and encourages the plant to distribute energy to the already formed fruits. The top is usually removed after leaving 2-3 leaves above the last bunch of fruits.
Common mistakes
One of the most common problems is too dense planting of plants. Even with active pruning, cucumbers growing too close together interfere with each other, causing poor air circulation and favorable conditions for diseases. Another mistake is not removing the lower shoots, which not only weakens the plant, but also blocks the light for the entire stem. This can lead to poor fruit set and longer ripening times.
