Gardenbite: How to Keep Tomatoes Healthy in Summer Heat: Pruning, Support, and Mulch | #GoodGrowing
From Good Growing by Chris Enroth
June 5, 2026 · 12 min
About this episode
This episode covers essential early summer care for tomatoes, including pruning, support methods, and mulching techniques.
In this Gardenbite episode of the Good Growing podcast, we dig into essential early summer tomato care to help keep your plants healthy, productive, and under control. From staking and trellising methods like cages and the Florida weave to managing vigorous indeterminate varieties, we explore practical ways to support growing plants and prevent a backyard takeover. We also break down the pros and cons of pruning tomato suckers, when fertilizing may (or may not) be necessary, and how mulching can improve soil moisture retention, reduce weeds, and support overall plant health. Along the way, we share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and simple strategies you can apply in your own garden this season. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f89Jy0U8MOQ Skip to what you want to know: 00:57 Staking/trellising tomatoes 05:09 Pruning "suckers" on the tomato plant 06:08 Tomato fertilizer 06:43 Mulching tomatoes Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Emily Swihart: eswihart@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe…
People in this episode
Host: Chris Enroth
Topics covered
- tomato care
- summer gardening
- pruning techniques
- mulching
- plant support
- fertilization
Keywords
- tomatoes
- pruning
- mulch
- fertilizer
- gardening
- summer heat
- plant health
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Good Growing
Books & works: Gardenbite
Places: Florida
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