How to Trim and Take Suckers off of Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are among the most popular vegetables grown in gardens throughout the world. They are warm-season plants that require consistent care and maintenance to produce a bountiful harvest. One of the steps to ensure good tomato growth and development is to trim the plants and remove suckers. Here is a guide on how to do it right.

What are Suckers?

Suckers, also known as side shoots, are secondary growths that emerge between the main stem and the branches of the tomato plants. They don't produce fruit but consume the plant's energy resources. If left to grow, sucker shoots can hinder the growth of the main stem and reduce production.

Why Trim Tomato Plants?

Trimming tomato plants involves removing the suckers and pruning out the leaves at the bottom of the stem. When the plant has too many leaves, the lower ones can start to yellow and develop diseases, leading to a reduced yield. When a plant focuses its energy on producing fruit instead of wasting resources on the useless foliage, it becomes sturdier, grows healthier, and produces a larger and more flavorful harvest.

The Tools You Need

The first step to trimming tomato plants is to have the right tools. You'll need a pair of garden scissors, pruning shears, or a sharp knife. Take care not to damage the stem or nearby branches. Sterilizing your tools before and after each use helps to prevent spreading diseases.

How to Trim a Tomato Plant

Trimming tomato plants is a relatively easy process that involves just four steps:

Step 1: Locate the Sucker

The first step is to locate the sucker, which is the tiny stem sprouting out from the joint between the stem and another branch. Suckers usually grow out beneath the first flower cluster, so be sure to look out for them.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Sucker to Remove

Not all suckers are created equal, and so it's essential to remove the correct one. The best suckers to remove are those that are small, about the size of a pencil eraser, and located on the bottom half of the plant. Removing these weak, growing shoots allows the plant to grow taller and stronger. On the other hand, do not remove those growing from the main stem, just below the flower clusters, as they may produce fruit.

Step 3: Remove the Sucker

Using your garden scissors or knife, remove the sucker entirely by gently pulling it back and forth while cutting it off. Once you've removed it, clean your tools with alcohol to prevent disease transmission.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Repeat the process, making sure to remove suckers only from the bottom half of the plant at least once a week. Removing too many suckers over time can weaken the plant's structure, so exercise caution.

Conclusion

Trimming tomato plants and removing suckers should be part of your regular tomato plant care routine. By taking time to remove these growths, your plant's resources are redirected towards producing fruit, leading to a healthy and productive plant. Just be sure to use the appropriate tools and care to avoid damaging the stem or other branches. Happy gardening!