Pruning Intervention

I had already pruned my Mighty 'Mato grafted tomatoes 2 1/2 weeks ago, but when I showed the photo of my double-grafted Orange and Black Icicle to Alice Doyle from Log House Plants (see my blog dated June 14, Tuesday), she knew my Mighty 'Mato needed another pruning intervention. To control my thicket of foliage, she suggested I once again, strategically remove some of the excess branches and suckers (the little shoots that emerge where each branch meets the main stem) and keep the main stems clear of foliage 10-12-inches from the bottom. This keeps the foliage off the ground, reducing the possibility of pests and disease, improves air circulation and allows fruits to ripen earlier. Just don't go overboard and prune too much because even Mighty 'Mato grafted tomatoes need leaves to manufacture sugars in the fruits and provide shade to prevent sun scald. How are your Mighty 'Mato tomatoes doing? Let me know.