We bought a couple tomato plants this spring which were supposed have tomatoes which would be quite small. And indeed they were! Tiny, about pea size, give or take. There were hundreds. They were planted in hanging baskets, and grew up, but mostly over.

My question is in regards to pruning them. Today, I collected the last of them (but there were still a couple hundred left that got a little mushy because we got lazy-and the plants are still growing, but winter will set in soon in a hurry). We really love them-they taste great! Don't recall the name of the plant and we were not smart enough to keep the label.

Question is, with these things, is there a pruning methodology anyone uses to keep them more in check? E.g. pruning branches to several versus a zilliion? Seems like they would be easier to reign in that way. They are pretty tedious to collect!

Just thought I'd ask-any insight will truly be appreciated!

Best regards,
Judy

Since they grow so much and the fruit load isn't great, I'd not prune in the later stages, just because I think pruning would cut down production. But. perhaps early you can start it in the shape you want, using the regular pruning techniques, which no doubt is a separate debate, exactly who's technique is better or worse.

Good luck
PC

Jury is divided on this issue. There has been many discussion on this, in this forum over the years. Just search "Pruning tomato plant" in this forum. Having said that, it won't hurt to get a fresh discussion.

There are basically 2 schools of thought on this :(1) Never prune ! OR it is not necessary(2) Prune.
In the end of the day, the buck stops with you.

Pruning may depend on several growing conditions and factors:

Growing By:
-- SPRAWLING
-- CAGING:
-- TRELLISING
-- STAKING
-- WEAVING
--- STRINGING

Other Considerations:
-- SQUARE FOOT GARDENING.
-- IN GROUND, FIELD
-- IN CONTAINER
--- SPACING,
---GROWTH HABIT: Determinant or in determinant ?
--- GROWING SEASON LENGTH
---- YIELD AND FRUIT SIZE
--- CONVENIENCE FACTOR

Depending on one or combinations of the above cases, pruning can be done differently.

They're indeterminate. We just don't keep the greenhouse heated in the winter as it's just too expensive and the plants will die out anyhow from the cold.

Thanks!
Best,
Judy