What Is the Best Use for Tomato Suckers You Remove?

Tomato suckers can become new tomato plants with proper propagation techniques, giving gardeners a simple way to expand their harvest. It’s important to pay attention to the small shoots that many gardeners remove but can reuse – Shutterstock

Tomato suckers often look like little troublemakers stealing energy from the main plant, but those tiny shoots can become valuable garden helpers. Instead of tossing them into the compost pile, gardeners can turn many tomato suckers into new plants, extra harvests, or nutrient-rich compost.

The next time a tomato plant sprouts a sucker between a branch and the main stem, take a closer look before grabbing the pruning shears. That small green shoot can create a second chance for more tomatoes, a backup plant, or a clever way to stretch the garden budget.