How Do I Harvest Tomatoes?

“Hi there! I’m growing tomatoes in my backyard for the first time, and I want to make sure I pick them at the right time. I’ve noticed some of the fruits have started to turn red, but I’m unsure when they are fully ripe or how I should go about harvesting them. Plus, what do I do if some tomatoes are still green when the colder weather hits? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.” Thanks, Victoria, Asheville, USA.

How to Harvest Tomatoes: Timing, Techniques, and Tips for Your Backyard Farm

Hey Victoria! First of all, congratulations on growing your tomatoes! Tomatoes are a rewarding plant to cultivate and the joy of picking that first ripe fruit is something every backyard farmer should experience. Since this is your first time, I’m happy to walk you through the process of harvesting them so you’ll know exactly what to do when those juicy fruits are ready to be picked. I’ll also touch on some common challenges you might face, such as what to do with tomatoes that are still green when the season starts to cool down.

Understanding Tomato Ripeness: When Are They Ready?

One of the most common questions is – When exactly should I harvest my tomatoes? This is a great question because picking them at the right time ensures that you get the best flavor out of your tomatoes. Tomatoes tend to confuse many growers because they continue to ripen after being harvested. However, timing is still key.

Let’s focus on what to look for in the appearance and texture of your tomatoes:

• Color: The color is one of the first indicators of ripeness. Depending on the variety you’re growing, ripe tomatoes could be red, yellow, orange, or even purple. For traditional red tomatoes, the fruit should be evenly red all over without any green spots (except for the green shoulders, which happens in some varieties). If you see a rosy blush spreading across your tomato, that’s a good sign it’s almost ready!
• Texture: While color gives you the first clue, the texture of the tomato is the next thing you’ll want to check. A ripe tomato should feel firm but yield slightly when pressed. If it’s too hard, it needs more time on the vine. If it’s mushy, it’s overripe and should be consumed immediately or used for cooking.
• Size: Check your seed packet or research the specific variety you’re growing, as size can be another indicator of ripeness. Most tomato varieties will grow to a consistent size when they are ready. However, remember size isn’t everything—color and texture are more reliable indicators.
• Fruit Separation: A neat trick to know if your tomatoes are ready is how easily they come off the vine. Give the fruit a gentle twist or a slight tug. A ripe tomato will detach easily from the stem, while an unripe one will hold on a bit longer.

The Right Time to Harvest

There’s a bit of a balance when it comes to picking tomatoes. If you leave your tomatoes on the vine until they’re fully ripe, you may get the most flavorful fruit, but you also run the risk of pests or heavy rain ruining them. On the other hand, harvesting them when they reach the “breaker stage”—when they first start to get a blush of color—allows them to reach full ripeness off the vine, minimizing the chances of damage.

If your weather is consistent and you’re not worried about pests, you can leave the tomatoes on the vine until they’re fully colored up. The tomatoes will have absorbed as much sweetness and nutrients from the plant as possible. But Victoria, if you’re expecting a stretch of rain or see signs of critters in your garden, go ahead and pick them just as they start to change color.

Tools and Techniques for Harvesting Tomatoes

Now that you know when your tomatoes are ripe, let’s talk about how to pick them. Harvesting tomatoes properly helps to prevent damage to the fruit and the plant, ensuring a good crop for the rest of the season.

Here’s what you can do:

• Hand-Picking: Like I mentioned earlier, gently grasp the ripe tomato and twist it, turning it gently until it snaps off the vine. You can also pull the fruit straight upwards from its stem, but be careful not to bruise the fruit or the plant.
• Using Pruners: If your tomatoes have a thick stem or if you’re concerned about accidentally damaging the plant, you can use small, sharp pruners or scissors to cut the fruit off the vine, leaving a small piece of stem attached to the tomato. Make sure your pruners are clean to avoid spreading any disease.
• Handling with Care: Tomatoes bruise easily, so be gentle when handling them. Place them in a basket or container, avoiding stacking them too high as the weight can cause the bottom layer to get crushed.

Special Situations: What to Do with Green Tomatoes

Victoria, I know you were wondering about green tomatoes, especially as the colder weather approaches. Sometimes, no matter how diligently you care for your plants, the season can end before all the tomatoes have had a chance to fully ripen. Don’t worry—there are still things you can do!

Ripening Indoors

If you’ve got some green tomatoes on the vine when temperatures start to drop, go ahead and harvest them before the first frost hits. These tomatoes can ripen indoors with just a little help. Here’s how:

1. Paper Bag Method: Place the green tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Keep the bag in a warm spot, and check it daily.
2. Windowsill Ripening: You can also place your green tomatoes on a sunny windowsill, with their stems facing upward. Rotate them occasionally, and in a few days to weeks, they should start to turn color.
3. Cardboard Box Method: Layer the bottom of a shallow cardboard box with newspaper and place the green tomatoes in a single layer on top. Keep the box in a warm, dry place and check regularly until the tomatoes begin to ripen.

Cooking with Green Tomatoes

If you find yourself with a bumper crop of green tomatoes and you’re not keen on waiting for them to ripen, there are many delicious recipes where green tomatoes can be the star of the show. Southern-inspired fried green tomatoes, green tomato chutney, or even a tangy salsa can all be worth trying!

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Even with careful attention, there are a few challenges that may arise when harvesting tomatoes. By knowing what to look for, you can catch issues early and address them effectively.

Tomato Splitting or Cracking

One issue you might notice is tomato splitting or cracking, which generally happens when the plants receive an influx of water after a dry period. The sudden intake of water causes the fruit to grow quicker than the skin can stretch, leading to cracks. While it’s disappointing, the good news is that these tomatoes are still edible. However, they should be consumed fairly quickly as the cracks can invite insects or mold.

• Solution: To prevent this in the future, try to maintain consistent watering and consider mulching around the base of the plants to retain moisture.

Overripe Tomatoes Falling Off the Vine

If you find your tomatoes falling off the vine before you get a chance to pick them, it’s usually a sign that they’ve ripened too much. These tomatoes will likely be overripe and may not last long once harvested.

• Solution: Check your plants daily when you know the harvest time is approaching and pick the fruits promptly once they show signs of ripening. Regular monitoring can help you catch them at their peak.

Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot is a frustrating problem, usually manifesting as a sunken, dark spot on the bottom of the fruit. It’s typically linked to calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering.

• Solution: Unfortunately, affected tomatoes aren’t salvageable, but future issues can be prevented by ensuring even watering and amending the soil with calcium if needed. Garden lime or gypsum is often used to correct calcium deficiencies in the soil.

Best Practices for Tomato Storage

Once you’ve harvested your tomatoes, you’ll want to store them correctly to extend their shelf life. Proper storage can help retain their flavor and texture, ensuring you get the most out of your backyard bounty.

• Room Temperature Storage: Fresh tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Place them stem-side down in a single layer, which prevents any bruising on the shoulders of the tomato. Properly stored at room temperature, they should last around a week.
• Avoid Refrigeration: A common mistake is to pop tomatoes in the fridge straight away, but this can actually damage their flavor and texture. Only refrigerate when they’re nearing over-ripeness, and even then, bring them back to room temperature before using to restore some of their lost flavor.
• Using Overripe Tomatoes: If you have more tomatoes than you can eat before they over-ripen, consider turning them into sauces, soups, or even canning them for future use. Overripe tomatoes are perfect for making tomato sauce, salsa, or even a delicious homemade ketchup.

Final Thoughts…

Victoria, it’s wonderful that you’re taking the time to care for your tomato plants and make sure you’re harvesting them just right. Remember, you’re the best judge for when your tomatoes are ready, so trust your instincts! Don’t stress too much if you pick a few early or late—you can still enjoy the fruits (literally!) of your labor in a variety of ways.

Thank you for reaching out with your question! If anything comes up or you run into any difficulties, feel free to ask for more advice. Enjoy your tomatoes and the experience of growing your own food!