We have limited space with full sun exposure. I squeezed a Better Boy tomato into a corner that only gets about 4-5 hours of direct afternoon sun, and only dappled sun for most of the morning. It is doing much better than I imagined. It has grown rather well and has set fruit.

I am torn about pruning it. On one hand, more leaves to perform photosynthesis is needed to cope with lower light, but on the other, air and light penetration are also desireable under such conditions. Septoria and anthracnose in particular are concerns of mine.

So far I'm keeping the "leave well enough alone" approach, but what do you think would be better---leafy to gather every little ray of light, or open to let the air and light circulate better?

Agree. Don't know how much help it will be given so few hours but I would think it should help some.

air and light penetration are also desireable under such conditions. Septoria and anthracnose in particular are concerns of mine.

Air circulation, yes. Light penetration, not so much. Preventative fungicides are of more importance.

dave

I guess 4 hours was only accurate in the early spring when I planned my garden...now it is closer to 5 and a half of direct afternoon rays, with dappled light through the morning. Basically my plants on that side sit dew-damp and shaded most of the morning then get baked. Harsh conditions for maters, but great for spores. Grr.

I picked up some fungicidal spray per your recommendations on past threads. Thanks!