Tomato, Pepper, And Eggplant Pruning

Question

Hi Everyone. We live in Mesa AZ and have had our garden for 2 years now. This is going to be our third summer. I’ve noticed that once we hit June, and the temps are 100+, our tomato, eggplant, and pepper plants (among others) will not blossom or bear fruit again until the temps drop in late September, early October. I was wondering if, knowing that they will not be bearing fruit, would it be wise to prune them back in May or June, and let them regrow again in our second growing season which usually seems to start in late September, early October. Any advice is certainly appreciated. Thank you all in advance. – Janine

Answer 1

I would, only, prune just a little at this time. Pruning will be best done about a month before the growing season starts or as soon as the temperatures start to level off for the year. Pruning during the heat will prove stressful, and likely kill the plants.

Here are some articles that will help you with the care of each:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/growing-tomatoes-guide.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pepper/growing-peppers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/eggplant/growing-eggplant.htm