The old-timers always cut the top off their tomato plants above the last set truss at the end of August: the forgotten reason is coming back in 2026
Old-time gardeners knew a secret: cutting the growing tip of tomato plants in late August forces them to pour energy into ripening existing fruit instead of growing taller. With tomato prices climbing 40% in 2026, this forgotten technique is making a comeback—and the science behind it is surprisingly mechanical.