I think that would depend on what plant you are pruning and why you are doing it? No garden vegetables require pruning much less daily or weekly pruning unless you working with diseased plants?

But yes, IF I felt I had to do some pruning on something then I would keep it to a minimum and avoid doing it during that time of day when the plant is its most stressed anyway.

I'm fearful of spreading pathogens due to the dew on the leaves.

Again, what plants are we talking about and what "pathogens" have you concerned?

Dave

Hi Dave,

I am interested in pruning my tomatoes. I need to open up the middle just a bit. I plan on only doing some judicial pruning. Just enough to allow the fruit to have a bit of space and allow for better air movement because my plants are so thick with leaves. Some are in cages but most are staked.

The plants look wonderful currently and are full of fruit. However, I have some leaves at the bottom that are beginning to yellow and I am trying to keep them from touching the ground and picking up fungal problems.

My main worry as far as "pathogens" are concerned is blight and anthracnose. We have had issues with blight in the past in an opposite site of our yard. I am going for prevention this year.

Also, I need to do some random pruning throughout the garden. For instance, removal of old dead leaves on zuchini and pumpkins which have a lower turgor pressure during the heat of the day. I didn't want to stress them anymore than I have to.

Thanks!!