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Have you ever wondered how to remove suckers and prune tomatoes correctly? Discover with us the right method to take care of your plants and obtain more abundant harvests.
What is a sucker?
Il sucker it is a secondary shoot that grows on the main axis of the tomato plant.
These sprouts can compromising the development of fruit branches as they take sap from the main plant, thus slowing down the growth of the fruits.
Why remove suckers from tomatoes?
Tomato suckers can develop rapidly and, if allowed to grow, increase the water and nutrient needs of the plant.
This can weaken the main plant. Furthermore, they make the tomato plant very bushy, preventing a good ventilation it’s a’adequate exposure to sunlight.
Therefore, it is important prune the foliage regularly to ensure good cultivation.
How to remove suckers?
Removing suckers is essential for healthy tomato growing. To do this, you don’t need many tools. Here’s how to proceed:
- Locate secondary shoots, which develop at the corners of the main branches.
- With a delicate gesture, pinch the sucker between your fingers.
- Remove it carefully, avoiding sudden movements.
Essential information on pruning suckers
The pruning of suckers must be done by following some golden rules:
- Practice removal when the sun is present. This promotes healing of the plants and helps protect them from fungi such as downy mildew.
- Don’t overdo pruning: do this every three days to allow the plant to heal properly.
What to do with the removed suckers?
Suckers should not be left on the ground near tomato plants, as they can encourage the development of fungi and diseases.
You can use these branch residues to create a 100% organic and natural compost.
To make compost, mix green suckers with brown plant waste such as dry leaves. Place the compost in a shaded place in contact with the ground.
After about a month, you can use this compost to nourish the soil.
