Question
QUESTION: How soon and often should you pinch off the suckers?

ANSWER: Dear Don,
If I understand this correctly, parasites should be removed immediately and steps taken to prevent them.  There are many natural remedies for various pests.  One of my favorites is diatomaceous earth.  It sprinkles easily and doesn't harm the the produce.  I have also used human hair around the base of the plants, like just the trimmings of a hair cut.  It keeps a number of parasites away.
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Not Parasites, I am talking about the sucker leaves, the one that grow and nothing deveolpes on them. I have always told to pinch them off, what do you suggest.
Thanks,
Don          I am a country buy!

Answer
Don,
I'm sorry.  I knew when I read that, I was probably reading it wrong.  Please accept my apology.  I don't pinch the non-producing leaves off.  If you've had good crops in doing that, then I can't argue with success.  I think I would experiment.  If you've always pinched them off, then leave one without and see if there is any difference.  Let me know what you discover.  I may try pinching on one plant, this year.
Kind Regards,
Kindred