mgconferences

Picking Your Tomatoes

As you pick your first harvest of tomatoes, we are tempted to put them in the refrigerator. One problem with this practice is that they lose their flavor when they are stored below 55 degrees F. When stored at room temperature, the rate of decomposition (rotting) increases, however. So it is a balancing game. I would rather have better flavor (keep at room temperature) and eat the fruit more quickly to avoid the rotting problem.

In the fall, you may have many green tomatoes left on your plants. In order to hasten ripening before the first frost (average first hard frost in Central Ohio is October 15) root prune your plant. Take a spade and press it into the soil for 6-8 inches about one foot from the base of the plant. This will severe the roots, which will hasten ripening.

When the frost becomes more regular, remove the green tomatoes and place them in a paper bag in a single layer and place the bag in a cool location. They do not need light to ripen and should never be placed on a windowsill. Place fruit of similar ripeness in the same bag. Check the bag regularly and remove fruit as it ripens.

For more information contact George McVey, Program Assistant, Horticulture and Union County Master Gardener Coordinator at 937.644.8117 or toll free for Union County Residence at 800.589.8584 or e-mail him at gmcvey@ag.osu.edu.