9 Crops That Need Pruning for Bigger, Better Yields – What, Why & How to Prune

1. Tomatoes
→ Why: Pruning improves airflow, reduces disease, and channels energy into fruit.
→ Prune: Suckers (the shoots that grow between the stem and branch), and lower yellowing leaves.

2. Peppers (Bell & Chili)
→ Why: Encourages branching and better fruit set.
→ Prune: The top of young plants (pinch at 6–8 inches tall), and any overcrowded inner leaves later.

3. Eggplants
→ Why: Fewer but larger fruits, and better airflow.
→ Prune: Bottom leaves, side shoots, and suckers once fruits start developing.

4. Grapevines
→ Why: Heavy pruning results in better quality grapes.
→ Prune: In winter, cut back 90% of old growth, leaving 1–2 main canes per vine.

5. Strawberries (June-bearing)
→ Why: Controls runner spread and strengthens crowns.
→ Prune: Runners after harvest, and old leaves in fall or early spring.

6. Cucumbers (especially in small spaces or vertical)
→ Why: Promotes airflow and fruit development.
→ Prune: Lower leaves, and side shoots below the first 5–7 nodes.

7. Pole Beans
→ Why: Redirects energy into pods, especially in dense growth.
→ Prune: Top growth when plants reach the top of the trellis; thin crowded vines.

8. Fruit Trees (like peach, apple, fig)
→ Why: Shapes the tree, boosts sunlight to fruit, and prevents disease.
→ Prune: In the dormant season, remove crossing branches and weak stems.

9. Basil (and other herbs like mint, oregano)
→ Why: Keeps the plant from flowering and promotes more leaf growth.
→ Prune: Pinch off flower buds and the top few inches regularly.