If you have planted your tomato plants in the ground and they have started to grow, you will soon encounter what is commonly referred to as “suckers”. Suckers are new growth that pops up in between the existing main stalk and branches coming out the side of the plant. They look cute and encouraging, but they must be stopped. Let me show you an example, then explain.

As much as suckers could be mistaken as an encouraging sign that your garden is doing well and new growth is sprouting up, they are doing damage to the future of your plants. Your plant is using energy to grow those suckers that could be put to better use someplace else. It is literally sucking the energy out of that existing branch. That branch will produce less blooms which means less tomatoes. Yes, the sucker will grow and also produce blooms, but neither branch nor sucker branch will have as big and juicy fruits as if the sucker had been stopped in its tracks early on.

So do what I like to do….after a tough day, grab a cold alcoholic beverage, go get up close to your tomato plants and pinch off those suckers. Sometimes, I even lay down and inspect the plant for bugs, disease, evaluate their growing into the cages correctly and any see any general problems at the same time. I like to talk to the plants, see how they are and just relax with them in the garden. It’s a good way to wind down after work, to let some stress out and chill. So go get those suckers, your plants will appreciate it. 💜🌱💜