Very basic question...please define "sucker"

[Tania]

Originally Posted by Wi-sunflower

When someone at my market asks about taking out the suckers I answer them like Carolyn did - the more foliage the greater the photosynthesis . Besides for busy people that makes it easier, one less job you really don't need to do anyway.

The only exception I give to people is if you have them planted and staked and maybe have the plants too close together. Then I have them prune a bit so they aren't so bushy they grow together. This is mostly so there is some air movement to help prevent disease issues.

Carol

I give people pretty much the same answer.

Many folks in Russia prune their tomatoes like there is no tomorrow. I think it is a cultural thing. Having said that my grandma who had a farm in Krasnodar region (Caucasus mountains valley) never pruned tomatoes, they grew like what many Texan folks show - huge plants and large juicy fruits.