9. Debunking Sucker Myths

Myth 1: “Suckers steal energy from the plant.”
👉 Not true. They contribute leaves for photosynthesis and grow fruit just like the main stem.

Myth 2: “Removing suckers prevents disease.”
👉 Air circulation helps, but aggressive pruning can actually introduce disease via open wounds.

Letting suckers grow is not necessarily neglect—it’s a more informed and gentle approach.

 10. What the Experts Say

Garden experts like Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, horticulturist and extension specialist, advocate for a more relaxed, data-backed approach. Her research supports the benefits of allowing suckers to develop in many gardening situations.

Veteran gardeners often recommend experimenting and observing your plants to determine the best approach for your specific environment.

 11. Real-Life Results from Gardeners

Here are a few success stories:

• A California gardener reported a 30% increase in yield after letting suckers grow on indeterminate varieties.

• A Midwest grower found that their tomatoes were more drought-resistant, thanks to the additional foliage and shading.

• Many home gardeners say they now spend less time pruning and still get a bountiful harvest.

 Final Takeaway: Don’t Be Too Quick with the Snips

If you’ve been religiously removing tomato suckers, it might be time to rethink the habit. Letting them grow can lead to healthier, more productive plants, especially in home gardens where quantity and resilience often outweigh perfection.

Try experimenting in your next season: prune one plant traditionally and let another grow naturally. You might be surprised at the results.