How to Sucker a Tomato Plant

When it comes to growing tomato plants, many gardeners already know the importance of removing suckers from their plants. Suckers can slow down the growth of your tomato plant and reduce the overall yield of your crop. If you're new to gardening, don't worry- in this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to sucker a tomato plant to ensure a bountiful harvest.

What are Suckers?

Suckers are the small shoots that develop between the main stem of a tomato plant and its branches. These shoots can sap nutrients from the plant and slow down its growth. By removing the suckers, you can direct more energy into the main stem and encourage your plants to grow bushier and more fruitfully.

When to Sucker Your Tomato Plants

You should start sucker your tomato plants once they reach a height of about 6-10 inches. Waiting until your plants are larger can make the process more difficult, as the suckers will be thicker and harder to remove. It's best to sucker your plants regularly throughout the growing season to make sure they stay healthy and productive.

How to Sucker Your Tomato Plant

Now that you know the basics of suckering, it's time to get to work. Here are the steps for successfully removing suckers from your tomato plants:

Identify the sucker. This is the small shoot that's growing between the main stem of your plant and its branches.

Grasp the sucker firmly between your fingers and thumb.

Slowly twist the sucker back and forth until it snaps off. You may also use a pair of clean, sharp scissors to cut the sucker away.

Dispose of the sucker carefully. You don't want to leave it on the ground, as it may attract pests or attract diseases to your plant.

Repeat the process as necessary. You may find that some plants have more suckers than others, so you'll need to remove them regularly to keep them healthy and productive.

Tips for Suckering Your Tomato Plant

If you're new to gardening, here are some tips to help you get the most from your plants:

Use clean, sharp scissors to remove your suckers. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.

Be gentle with your plants when you're removing suckers. Try not to damage the stalk or stem of the plant.

Don't remove suckers that are growing above the first fruit truss. These suckers may help to support the weight of your tomatoes.

If you're not sure whether a shoot is a sucker or a new branch, leave it alone. Removing new branches can reduce the overall yield of your crop.

Sucker your plants regularly throughout the growing season to keep them healthy and productive.

Conclusion

Suckering your tomato plants may seem like a chore, but it's an essential step in ensuring a healthy, productive crop. By removing the suckers, you can direct more energy into the main stem and encourage your plants to grow bushier and more fruitfully. With a little bit of practice, you'll be a pro at suckering in no time!