Should You Sucker Tomato Plants?

If you're a tomato gardener, you may have heard conflicting advice about whether or not to 'sucker' your tomato plants. Suckering involves removing the shoots, or 'suckers', that grow on the main stem of the plant. Some gardeners swear by it, while others claim it's unnecessary or even detrimental to the health of the plant. So, what's the truth? Should you sucker tomato plants?

The Case for Suckering

One argument for suckering tomato plants is that it can improve the plant's overall health and yield. By removing the suckers, you focus the plant's energy and resources on producing fruit instead of foliage. This can lead to larger, more abundant tomatoes. Additionally, removing the suckers can help improve air flow throughout the plant, which can reduce the likelihood of disease.

Another reason to sucker tomato plants is to control the plant's size and shape. When left unchecked, tomato plants can grow into large, sprawling bushes that take up a lot of space in the garden. By removing the suckers, you can encourage the plant to grow up instead of out, making it easier to manage and giving you more space to plant other vegetables.

The Case Against Suckering

Despite the potential benefits, some gardeners argue that suckering tomato plants is unnecessary or even harmful. One concern is that removing the suckers can stress the plant and reduce its overall vigor. This may be especially true if the plant is already struggling due to poor soil or other factors. Additionally, some believe that the suckers provide important nutrients and support to the plant, and removing them can disrupt the plant's natural balance.

Another argument against suckering tomato plants is that it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. If you have a lot of tomato plants, removing the suckers from each one can be a daunting task. Some gardeners prefer to simply let the plants grow naturally and focus on other aspects of care, such as watering and fertilizing.

So, Should You Sucker Tomato Plants?

The answer, as with many things in gardening, is that it depends. If you have the time and inclination, suckering your tomato plants can potentially lead to larger, healthier, and more abundant fruit. However, if you're short on time or simply prefer to let your plants grow naturally, that's okay too. Ultimately, the decision to sucker tomato plants comes down to your personal preferences and gardening goals.

Regardless of whether or not you choose to sucker your tomato plants, there are a few general tips for growing healthy, productive tomatoes:

Choose a sunny, well-drained location for your plants

Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season

Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer

Monitor for pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary

By following these tips and experimenting with different pruning techniques, you can achieve a bountiful tomato harvest for years to come.