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Gardening: The Great Tomato Sucker Debate
By Contributing Writer at Cross Timbers Gazette (local newspaper)
· June 27, 2026
· 2 min read
By Barbara Brown, Master Gardener
Gardening Grandma says… “You must remove suckers from your tomato plants. Suckers steal the plant’s energy, and you get fewer tomatoes.”
Truth or myth? Let’s find out.
What is a tomato sucker, anyway? Tomato suckers are small shoots of leaves that grow on a new ...
Key takeaway Tomato suckers are small shoots of leaves that grow on a new stem between two larger stems at a 45-degree angle.
Why this matters in Flower Mound News
In Flower Mound , where gardening is a popular hobby, the debate over removing tomato suckers takes on practical significance. For local gardeners, the decision to remove or keep suckers can impact the overall health and productivity of their tomato plants. By removing suckers, gardeners can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of diseases like wilt and fungal leaf spots, which can be prevalent in North Texas's humid climate. Additionally, removing suckers can provide an opportunity for a fall tomato harvest, as the cuttings can be rooted and planted later. This can be especially beneficial for gardeners in the area, where the growing season can be extended with proper care. As local gardeners weigh the benefits and drawbacks of removing tomato suckers, they can consider the specific needs of their plants and the potential for a bountiful harvest in the fall.
About this story
Original reporting by Cross Timbers Gazette (local newspaper) . Flower Mound News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Cross Timbers Gazette (local newspaper) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: Cross Timbers Gazette (local newspaper) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Barbara Brown, Master Gardener
Gardening Grandma says… “You must remove suckers from your tomato plants. Suckers steal the plant’s energy, and you get fewer tomatoes.”
Truth or myth? Let’s find out.
What is a tomato sucker, anyway? Tomato suckers are small shoots of leaves that grow on a new ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by Cross Timbers Gazette (local newspaper) and curated for Flower Mound News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Contributing Writer at Cross Timbers Gazette (local newspaper). To learn more about how Flower Mound News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Flower Mound News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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