Do I Wait Until Ripe?

[big rockpile]

I planted Determinate Marglob Tomatoes and in past I’ve been told to pick Tomatoes when they just start turning.

These are just turning do I wait ? Nothing is bothering them.

big rockpile

 

[Chuck]

If nothing is bothering them, such as birds, you can wait. But the redder they get the more likely a bird will see them and peck holes in them.

 

[big rockpile]

I planted Marigolds next to them this may be confusing to the birds.

big rockpile

 

[Oliver Buckle]

I was planning to pick my first tomatoes next day and badger came overnight and scoffed the lot. You will be safer picking them, and from what Meadowlark says it makes little or no odds to the final product.

 

[Chuck]

I planted Marigolds next to them this may be confusing to the birds.

big rockpile

Marigolds will just give the birds another place to land. When tomatoes are first starting to get red they have reached sexual maturity and will not grow any bigger. Picking them at first signs of turning red will NOT change their flavor at all. But if you want to take a chance then go right ahead.

 

[big rockpile]

I mentioned this to my wife and she said to pick them. I did and had lost a couple.

big rockpile