What's up with my maters
 

Re: What's up with my maters
 

Sounds like they don't get enough sunlight..

Re: What's up with my maters
 

Re: What's up with my maters
 

Re: What's up with my maters
 

DH, Here in SE Oh. we've the same problem because of low nighttime temps. this season.
Consistent 72 degree temps help ripen the maters.
And yeah, I've enjoyed a few extra batches of fried green tomatoes this season.
Fried green tomatoes is a wonderful summer treat... until I built the greenhouse last year...and I got fried green tomatoes in November?!??!!
I checked last years journal and we didn't start canning tomatoes until the first week of Sept. I think there is still time, if not, pickem, wrapem and storem
Good luck.

Re: What's up with my maters
 

Can you elaborate? I have several green tomatoes that I had to pull because of broken branch, and we're not ready to eat them yet, so I'd love to know the techniques. Thanks much.

Re: What's up with my maters
 

Green tomatoes can ripen w/indoor temps./direct sunlight/ 2weeks.
Wrap and keep a close eye on them...
Good luck

Re: What's up with my maters
 

What do you wrap them in? Newspaper?

Re: What's up with my maters
 

How To Turn Green Tomatoes Red & How To Store Tomatoes In The Fall

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By:Nikki Phipps
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/wp-c...n-tomatoes.jpgWhen there are too many green tomatoes on a plant, ripening can be delayed, as it requires a lot of energy from the plant for this process to occur. Cooler fall temperatures can also inhibit ripening. Wondering how to make tomatoes turn red can be frustrating for a gardener. Harvesting green tomatoes and storing them indoors will help conserve the plant’s energy; thus allowing you to enjoy your crop well into fall. Even better, learning how to store tomatoes and making tomatoes turn red is easy.
How to Make Tomatoes Turn Red

Getting tomatoes to turn red is not difficult. There are several methods that can be used for making tomatoes turn red.
One way how to turn green tomatoes red is to ripen mature green tomatoes in a well-ventilated area at room temperature, checking their progress every few days and discarding unsuitable or soft ones. The cooler the temperature, the longer the ripening process will take. For instance, mature green tomatoes will usually ripen within a couple of weeks in warmer temperatures (65 �F – 70 �F) and about a month in cooler temperatures (55 �F – 60 �F).
One of the best ways for getting tomatoes to turn red is by using ripening bananas. The ethylene produced from these fruits helps with the ripening process.
If want to know how to turn green tomatoes red but only have a few on hand, using a jar or brown paper bag are suitable methods. Add two to three tomatoes and one ripening banana to each jar or bag and seal closed. Place them in a warm area away from sunlight and check regularly, replacing banana as needed. Tomatoes should ripen within one or two weeks.
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Using an open cardboard box for getting tomatoes to turn red is suitable for numerous tomatoes. Line the box with newspaper and place a layer of tomatoes on top. Although a second layer can be added, do this only when necessary, as tomatoes are prone to bruising. Add a few ripening bananas and place the box in a cool but slightly humid area away from sunlight.
How to Store Tomatoes

As with the ripening process, green tomatoes can be stored in different ways.
In some cases, taking up the entire plant, rather than picking individual tomatoes, may be required. Simply pull up the plants with roots attached and carefully shake off excess soil. Hang them upright in a sheltered location to ripen.
They can also be placed in single layers on shelves or within shallow containers and boxes. Green tomatoes should be stored in temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees. Ripe tomatoes can be stored in slightly cooler temperatures. Remove stems and leaves before storing tomatoes this way. Make sure the storage area is away from direct sunlight and not too humid. Excessive humidity can cause tomatoes to rot. Suitable storage areas include garages, cellars, porches, or pantries.
Learning how to store tomatoes and how to make tomatoes turn red will eliminate overcrowding fruits on the vine. Harvesting green tomatoes on a regular basis is a great way to continue enjoying your crop well into the fall season.

Re: What's up with my maters
 

Whay brand of tomatoes did you plant? Same as last year? Different brands have different maturity dates. For example the Beefsteak is around 90 days, while Early Girl is about 55. Our Early Girls are red now, but the Beefsteaks are still green.

Re: What's up with my maters
 

A little tip I learned from a local organic grower:

If you want to pick them early, check the bottom of the fruit. Tomatoes will ripen off the vine if they have even the slightest red blush on the bottom of the fruit. They will ripen inside with no noticeable difference in flavor.

If there's no red blush then it's still to early, however.

Re: What's up with my maters