Introduction:

Tomato plants are a favorite among gardeners for their juicy, refreshing fruits. However, they require some amount of maintenance to ensure that the fruits grow to their fullest potential. One such maintenance task is removing suckers from the tomato plants. Suckers are the small branches that grow between the main stem and the leaves on a tomato plant. In this article, we will discuss when to remove suckers from tomato plants for the best outcomes.

What are suckers?

Suckers are the additional branches that grow between the main stem and the leaves of a tomato plant. These branches can take up a significant amount of the plant's energy and can lead to smaller, weaker fruits if not removed. Suckers can grow in abundance in tomato plants, and it's essential to know when to remove them to keep the plant healthy and productive.

When to remove suckers?

The general rule of thumb for removing suckers from tomato plants is to remove them when they are small, less than an inch in length. The earlier you remove the suckers, the less energy they will take from the plant. It's best to inspect the plants every week and remove any new suckers that may have developed.

Additionally, it's crucial to keep in mind the type of tomato plant you are growing. Determinate tomato plants are compact, bushy, and do not require much pruning, whereas indeterminate tomato plants grow tall and need more pruning. For indeterminate plants, it's best to remove the suckers before they grow more than an inch, as they can drastically reduce the number and size of fruits produced by the plant.

How to remove suckers?

Removing suckers is a relatively simple job and can be done with your fingers or a pair of gardening shears. Using your fingers, locate the sucker between the main stem and the leaves and gently pinch it off. If the sucker is more substantial or has hardened, use gardening shears to cut it off. It's crucial to ensure that the cut is made close to the main stem to prevent new growth from developing in the same spot.

Conclusion:

To summarize, removing suckers from tomato plants is an essential maintenance task that can increase the number and size of fruits produced by the plant. It's best to remove the suckers when they are small and to keep a weekly inspection of the plants. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tomato plants are healthy and productive for a longer time.