Lower leaves

The lower leaves are the oldest leaves on the tomato plant, but as long as they remain healthy and well-lit, they continue to participate in photosynthesis. First, remove any leaves that are yellowing, diseased, touching the soil, or located below clusters that have already been harvested. Moderate pruning can improve airflow, but the extent of pruning depends on the variety, plant density, training system, and disease pressure. Removing many healthy leaves at once limits photosynthesis and may increase the risk of sunscald on the fruit.