local
Gardening: The Great Tomato Sucker Debate
By Contributing Writer at Cross Timbers Gazette (Southern Denton County)
· 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 The Trophy Club
For gardeners in Trophy Club , the decision to remove tomato suckers can have a significant impact on their summer harvest. Given the hot and dry North Texas climate, removing suckers to improve air circulation and reduce disease susceptibility is particularly relevant. By doing so, local gardeners can help prevent common issues like wilt and fungal leaf spots that can quickly spread in the area's warm weather. Additionally, removing suckers can provide an opportunity for a fall tomato harvest, as the cuttings can be rooted and planted later in the season. This can be a valuable technique for Trophy Club gardeners looking to extend their growing season and enjoy a second crop of fresh tomatoes. By following the recommendations of experts like Texas A&M University and Cornell University Extension, local gardeners can make informed decisions about how to manage their tomato plants and get the most out of their garden.
About this story
Original reporting by Cross Timbers Gazette (Southern Denton County) . The Trophy Club 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 (Southern Denton County) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: Cross Timbers Gazette (Southern Denton County) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The Trophy Club stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 (Southern Denton County) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Contributing Writer at Cross Timbers Gazette (Southern Denton County). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter