How to Pinch off Suckers on a Tomato Plant
What are suckers on a tomato plant? Suckers are small shoots growing from the main stem. If not removed, the small shoots will grow into full size branch forming “Y” shapes making it a bushy tomato plant.
Why does Pinching off the Tomato Sucker is Recommended?
By pinching off the tomato suckers from the main stem gives more vitamins and nutrients to the main stem and the tomatoes. By leaving all the suckers on the plant, it will result in more fruit, but the fruit will be much more smaller and not so juicy and flavorful.
When Do I Pinch off the Tomato Suckers?
The earlier you pinch them off, the better and easier it will be for you to keep your plant clean. Small shoots about 1 – 3 inches can be snapped off with your fingers.
How Do I Pinch off the Tomato Suckers?
The process is pretty simple. Hold the sucker in between your thumb and index fingers and simply pinch it off the main stem. Thicker shoots should be cut off with pruners to avoid damaging the tomato plant.
Do I Pinch off ALL of theTomato Suckers?
As long as you have strong thick stem you can leave 2 – 3 suckers on the plant.
How to Snap off Extra Tomato Leaves
Snapping off the leaves that are touching the ground is very important and recommended. Leaves touching the ground can transfer disease to the plant and the fruit. You can easily snap off the leaves of the plant by using pruners (recommended) or with your fingers.
I use my fingers to snap off the tomato leaves. Simply hold the leaf at the very beginning of the stem and snap it off by applying pressure with your thumb and lifting the leaf up at the same time.
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