Tomato suckers are the small shoots that grow in the junction (also called the “axil”) between the main stem and a leaf branch of a tomato plant. While some gardeners advocate for removing them to focus the plant’s energy on fruit production, leaving suckers can actually have benefits depending on your gardening goals and tomato variety. Here’s why and how to prune effectively without unnecessarily removing suckers:
Why You Shouldn’t Remove Tomato Suckers
- More Fruit Production: Suckers grow into additional stems that can produce more flowers and, consequently, more tomatoes. This is particularly beneficial if you’re growing determinate (bush-type) tomatoes, which naturally stop growing at a certain size.
- Better Leaf Coverage: Suckers contribute to a fuller plant with more leaves, which helps shade the fruit from sunscald and supports healthy photosynthesis.
- Natural Growth Pattern: Tomato plants are naturally designed to grow suckers. Removing them can disrupt the plant’s growth and stress it, potentially reducing overall health and productivity.
- Low Maintenance: If you’re gardening for ease or don’t have time to manage frequent pruning, leaving suckers intact is a practical approach.
When and How to Prune (Without Overdoing It)
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