Why are my tomatos still green?

[RoslindaleGardener]

I've always had a great crop of tomatos but this year they are overwhelmingly still green. Anyone know why this might be happening or how to encourage them to ripen? I'm in Boston with raised beds and good soil. Thanks!

 

[Meadowlark]

A couple of things I've found which work is 1) reduce water intake and 2) trim foliage around the fruit to allow more direct sunlight.

Also, nighttime temps are a big factor...if temps fall at or below 50 deg F, ripening slows significantly.

 

[Ruderunner]

Just beware of trimming too many leaves from around the fruits. They can get sunscald. My wife trimmed our plants pretty aggressively a couple weeks ago and we've lost some due to that.

Our whole garden was pretty poor this year. Partly because I didn't have the time to devote due to other projects but our spring was very wet which stunted growing early. Then we jumped to high temperatures which slowed pollination.

Otoh, this did keep production to a manageable level considering the lack of time to can.

 

[roadrunner]

I think he lists some very good possibilities on this video

 

[RoslindaleGardener]

I think he lists some very good possibilities on this video

Great video! Thanks!

 

[MiTmite9]

I think he lists some very good possibilities on this video

Roadrunner: Great video. Thank you for that link. I learned a few things.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Have you been picking all the red ones? They produce a gas (ethaline?) which is a very simple hormone and kick starts the ripening process. I pick mine this time of year and leave on the windowsill with a few red ones amongst them.

 

[gardenstart]

Have you been picking all the red ones? They produce a gas (ethaline?) which is a very simple hormone and kick starts the ripening process. I pick mine this time of year and leave on the windowsill with a few red ones amongst them.

Try putting them in a paper bag and they will ripen even quicker.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Try putting them in a paper bag and they will ripen even quicker.

Actually I am happy the way it is, we get enough to use and they will last longer, away from the elements they don't get the fungal problems they would outside this late, in England anyway, it's getting damp and cold.
That's a good trick though if you want to make a batch of sauce or something.

 

[PolycarbonateGreenhouse]

That might need a little more time! Tomatoes can take a while to ripen, especially if temperatures are cooler or there’s not much sunlight. You can try picking them once they start to blush and let them ripen indoors in a sunny spot.

 

[blenor]

Green tomato and apple chutney is very tasty if you have surpluses.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Green tomato and apple chutney is very tasty if you have surpluses.

It needs to keep for a couple of months. My missus makes surplus and gives it to all her friends for Christmas and we get all sorts of tasty home-mades back in return.