To Prune or NOT to Prune Tomato Plants?

Should tomato plants be pruned or not? I answer this question about pruning tomatoes and more!

Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland Australia about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)

[MrGreattaco]

I watch so many of this guys vids that I make his accent when I explain gardening to others

[franko]

I've been growing tomatoes for 20 years. I prune every leaf below the flowers once a week it increases food to the tomatoes they grow bigger and healthier. I average 12 to 18kg per plant. Last year I got 170kg from 10 plants. My cherry tomatoes do the same and got buckets full from 5 plants

[lamykaswiccanpodcast]

This should be required viewing for gardeners; I seriously learned more in this short video about Tomato than hours of research and BS tutorials. Mahalo!!

[AHagridLookalike]

There’s not many things better than that sweet, slightly warm cherry tomato fresh off the vine.

[LB-vlqn]

Mark, I can't watch as often as I'd like, but I watch when I can. Every time I check in on you, I find that your channel has grown by leaps and bounds. Every time. I remember when you were questioning your YT presence at about 22k subs. Look at you now. I'm so proud of you!


Great info on tomatoes. My mouth was watering at the sight of those beautiful cherry toms. Have one for me. ~ Lisa

[joebloggs]

I had this argument about pruning tomatoes with others. Last year, we all decided to settle it once and for all. We each grew a plant OUR way. One pruned radically, one moderately and one not at all. They all fruited OK but the moderately pruned one did best of all because sir could circulate and plant energy was not wasted. The unpruned one sprawled on the dirt and got diseased and eaten by insects. The radically pruned one was staked and just kept growing upwards. It produced not as much as the others but it was nice fruit. However, fierce sun burnt it

[epicgardening]

Great topic Mark - a classic tomato question answered!

[nancyates]

When I pruned my tomatoes I put the pruned branches in a solo cup with potting soil.in 7 days they were full of roots.i planted them an have many new plants.

[tonybosso]

This channel is has been one of the best inspirations for my small family farm. Thank you, first of all for your service to your country (Vet here myself) and also for all that you do on your home and allowing all of us to see. I also have designed and built my raised beds gathering ideas from your designs and am hoping to build a tomato tunnel similar your gourdes. Thanks again !

[iDreamOfOkra]

You, sir, are the Russel Crowe of gardening! Subbed! Love your channel

[MycketTuff]

Wrote this long deliberate comment about how much appreciate channels with homesteading and self-sufficiency.. turned into a rant.
I guess all I really need to say is: Huge thanks for sharing, truly.

[xnofly]

Thanks for the video Mark. I have 8 patio tomato plants and I don't want to mess them up! Your videos are all so informative and enjoyable, I'm happy I subscribed! Keep up the good work!

[idetailnorthwest]

This is seriously one of my favorite channels on YouTube currently! You do an amazing job. Thank you so much for your guidance and knowledge! Cheers from Washington state!

[dawns.]

Another fantastic episode!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I know I appreciate your advice very much.

[donb.]

You have the best and most informative videos! I can’t thank you enough for all the wonderful information you provide, it has helped me out on numerous occasions. Please keep the videos coming, they are truly appreciated!

[vqvx]

Wish I had come across this video last week...before I massively pruned what turns out to be my determinate tomato plant 😭

[jennysandberg]

This was so useful. Right now I have 18 tomato plants in my garden, fingers crossed for a good crop. Thank you from the Netherlands.

[melodytenisch]

Thanks Mark; another winner! I agree with your other fans; you're a treat to watch and learn from. Blessings to you and your family!🙏👵🌱💞👍👍

[RockingCHomestead]

Great tips! Being a beginner this type of instructional videos are so helpful!

[mplotusflower]

Lovely, thank you so much. Great clarification! I am growing my first veggie garden in years, and have one big tomato and one black cherry tomato, can't wait!