Introduction

Tomatoes are one of the most popular and widely grown garden vegetables. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and are used in countless recipes. However, tomato plants can attract pests, such as the tomato hornworm, and suffer from various diseases. To maintain a healthy and fruitful tomato garden, it is crucial to take good care of the plants, including removing the suckers.

What are Suckers?

Suckers are small auxiliary shoots that grow from the base or main stem of a tomato plant. They are also known as side shoots, axillary shoots, or lateral branches. Suckers are not the same as the stems that bear flowers and fruit but rather develop between the main stem and the branches. They can grow into new stems and flower clusters, diverting nutrients and water from the main stem and reducing the overall productivity and quality of the tomato plant.

Why Should You Remove Suckers?

The main reason to remove suckers is to promote better growth and yield of the tomato plants. Suckers often grow faster and more vigorously than the main stem and can become more dominant, leading to a weaker and shorter main stem. As a result, the plant may become bushy, crowded, and prone to pest and disease attacks. Removing suckers helps channel the plant's energy into producing larger and healthier fruits, as well as facilitating air circulation and sunlight exposure, which are essential for ripening tomatoes and preventing fungal infections.

When and How to Remove Suckers?

Timing and method are critical when it comes to removing suckers from tomato plants. Suckers should be removed once they are small and tender, usually when they are less than two inches long and have not yet developed flower buds. This can be done by gently pinching or pruning the suckers off with a pair of clean and sharp garden shears, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening when the plants are less stressed and the weather is cooler. It is also advisable to remove only the lower suckers, leaving one or two of the upper ones to help shade the fruit and prevent sunscald.

Conclusion

If you want to grow healthy and bountiful tomato plants, you should not overlook the importance of removing the suckers. Doing so can save you time, space, and resources in the long run and result in better quality and quantity of tomatoes that you can enjoy fresh or preserved. By paying attention to the suckers and other aspects of tomato care, you can ensure a successful and satisfying tomato gardening experience.