What to do Just Before Tomatoes Ripen.....

Return to the Growing Tomatoes Forum | Post a Follow-Up

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by skyclad 6 (My Page) on

Tue, Jul 30, 13 at 22:49

Hello to all tomato lovers!
It is my hope that you can help me in my ongoing effort to try and have a decent crop of tomatoes for a change.. Here is the scenario that plays out year after year. The tomatoes grow just fine and begin to ripen, and as they begin to turn red they seem to be a target for everything that moves........bugs of all sorts, birds and even the resident squirrels if they discover that area.. I realize that there isn't much I can do about the squirrels and birds probably, however wondering what to do about the pesky, tomatoEating insects.. When my parents would grow tomatoes ages ago, it was time for the Seven Dust.. I would prefer to go less toxic than that of course, and am wondering what you guys use to put on your tomatoes to protect them.. If you know of something organic that works, please let me know. As I said, when they turn color is when things go south..........would appreciate ANY info you might have to help me out...
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide...!!

Follow-Up Postings:

RE: What to do Just Before Tomatoes Ripen.....

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by fireduck 10a (My Page) on
Tue, Jul 30, 13 at 23:13

S...contrary to many people's thoughts....you may harvest your tomato as soon as it starts to color with no loss of quality in taste. Put it on the counter and watch it color up. Then enjoy the marvelous fruit. (even though it is a fruit....do not put it in a fruit salad). haha

RE: What to do Just Before Tomatoes Ripen.....

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by sunnibel7 Md 7 (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 31, 13 at 11:21

Yes, I started harvesting most of mine once the color breaks to ripen inside after reading about it here. In a dry spell, like we're having now, the birds get a little crazy and peck everything red, and beyond that it does seem like the ripe ones are extra attractive to bugs. I still wonder if there might be a slight flavor difference between counter ripened and vine ripened (can't help myself) but now I get to enjoy tomatoes that aren't previously sampled.

RE: What to do Just Before Tomatoes Ripen.....

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by digdirt 6 -7 AR (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 31, 13 at 11:28

Many discussions here about when to pick, picking at blush, what does 'color break' mean, etc. that the search will pull up for you if interested.

Bottom line - there is no reason to leave fruits on the vine to fully ripen so there is no reason to risk them to pest damage much less spray them with Sevin or something else.

Pick at color break and ripen them indoors, on the kitchen counter, out of the direct sun.

Dave

RE: What to do Just Before Tomatoes Ripen.....

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by dirtguy50 6a SW MO (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 31, 13 at 19:17

skyclad, I took Dave's advise and am just amazed how well it works to let them finish ripening inside on the counter. (out of direct sunlight...so NOT on the window sill). When they are ripe, it sure seems like they are just the same as vine ripened. The birds haven't had a sample yet. woo hoo!

RE: What to do Just Before Tomatoes Ripen.....

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by sandshifter (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 31, 13 at 19:47

Has anyone actually tried tomatos in a fruit salad??...Just asking.

RE: What to do Just Before Tomatoes Ripen.....

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by sandshifter (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 31, 13 at 19:48

Has anyone actually tried tomatos in a fruit salad??...Just asking.

RE: What to do Just Before Tomatoes Ripen.....

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Posted by seysonn 7b WA/HZ 1 (My Page) on
Wed, Jul 31, 13 at 20:15

This, picking after color break, is the best idea since the invention of the ball point pen. This way you beat the birds, squirrels, rats, and the rest.

Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

If you are a member, please log in.

If you aren't yet a member, join now!

Return to the Growing Tomatoes Forum

Information about Posting

You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
We have a strict no-advertising policy!
If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.