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Tomato Ripening
Bob177
Posts: 43
in Fruit & veg
I have grown tomatoes (in the greenhouse) for the first time this year, and although I have a decent crop on them, not one has started to ripen. I have thin plastic shading to protect the contents from shrivelling (when we do get some sun), but I am concerned that as we have now entered September, I am running out of time. Anyone else in the same boat as me, that can offer some assurance? Thanks
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Mine are outside, and although I have a good crop not one has ripened yet - it's consistent warmth we need, rather than sunshine.
If the worst comes to the worst then when the weather really turns cool I'll pick them all and bring them indoors and put them in a paper bag with a banana - that will help finish ripening them if they've started - it not, it's green tomato chutney. Or you can slice and fry them in a little butter and serve with some bacon and sausages, and a good grinding of black pepper - all is not lost
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I have put a ripe banana on the growbag my tomatoes are growing in and they have now started to ripen. Worth giving it a try.
Thanks for your help & ideas. And I always thought toms needed sunshine - Let's hope we all have a decent September .
I will see what this weeks forecast of settled weather does to the crop, if no movement by the week-end, I will add a banana. I currently have 4 plants in my greenhouse - 1 per plant??
Bob, toms don't need direct sunshine to ripen. It's all about temperature. Low-20s and above is optimum. The lower you go, the longer it takes.
I currently leave my windows in the greenhouse open 24hrs, although I do close the door at night - do I need to close them also?
The air circulation is good anti-fungal problem procedure. I'd close the windows at night, too, to keep up the temperature. At this time of the season a fungal infection isn't going to do any long-term damage because there isn't a long-term. So to speak.
I have already started closing the windows at night, due to the recent drop in night temp. I know from following the Forum, that you are the Tom's expert, and I would like to know what you think about the thoughts of others on putting a ripe banana in there. For eg; Do I apply one to each pot ( I have 4), do I place them at the base, and do I peel them first? Please excuse me everyone, for sounding a bit naive on this matter. Thanks
The ripening banana gives of ethylene gas which helps the tomato to ripen so not sure that just the skin would have the same effect