When it comes to creating a healthier garden and a better harvest – pruning vegetable plants is a must!

Once established, vegetable plants like tomatoes and pepper will grow wild in the first month. Plants grow new shoots and stems on a daily basis. Although this is a great sign that plants are off to a great start, it can also cause long-term trouble.

What is pruning?

Pruning is when you selectively remove stems from your plant babies. The goals are to remove dead or overgrown branches or stems, especially to increase fruitfulness and growth. Pruning is one of the best things you can do for your plant babies. A proper prune is both an investment in the long-term health of your plants and in the overall look and safety of your property. Plants will benefit from a good trimming the most during spring and summer, which are their active growing seasons.

1. Prune to control the size of your plant. A plant that grows excessively large will take up more than its designated space in the garden and crowd out other plants.
2.  Pruning improves light and air flow around the plant and thus lessens the threat of pests and disease.
3.  Pruning improves the quality and size of your harvest. By cutting off growth that's not useful, the plant's energy can go to growing the best fruit.

How to Prune?

1. Observe your plant. look at its structure and shape. Notice whether it looks fuller on one side, or contains any diseased or dying foliage. 
2. Find the right tool.  Clean Your Cutting Tools and  decide what to prune. Unless you’re just pinching your plants, you’ll need some pruning tools. Using the right tool for the job will not only make it easier for you, but it will be safer and healthier for your plants too.
3. Clip or pinch off dead leaves and stems. Remove all dead, broken, diseased or problem limbs by cutting them at the point of origin or back to a strong lateral branch or shoot.