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Knowing when to pick your tomatoes can take some practice, especially if you're a new gardener.
Tomatoes go through several stages during the ripening process. When the fruit has reached its full size, the plant stops sending water to it. The tomato then starts changing color at speeds that vary depending on the temperature. This color change will take place whether the tomato is attached to the plant or sitting on your kitchen counter.
Some gardeners prefer to let the fruits ripen completely on the vine. Others pick tomatoes while they are partially green and ripen them indoors at room temperature.
The advantage to picking tomatoes early is that it cuts exposure to disease or damage from birds and insects. Early harvesting can also increase the amount of tomatoes your plant produces.
If you decide to pick your tomatoes while they are still green, make sure you store them at room temperature until they are fully ripe. Refrigerated green tomatoes will not ripen.
How are you tomatoes doing this year?
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