Knowing how and when to pick tomatoes is the final, rewarding step in growing them. Getting it right means you enjoy the best flavor and texture from your garden. This guide gives you clear, practical tips for harvesting your tomatoes perfectly every time.
You’ve put in the work. Now, let’s make sure you pick your tomatoes at their peak. We’ll cover the signs of ripeness, the best techniques, and how to handle problem fruit.
How and When to Pick Tomatoes
This is your core guide. Picking tomatoes isn’t just about color. You need to consider a few key factors for the best results.
Key Signs of Ripeness
Look for these visual and tactile clues before you harvest:
- Color: This is the most obvious sign. The fruit should have reached its final, even color, whether that’s deep red, vibrant yellow, or rich purple. A greenish shoulder at the stem is normal for some heirlooms.
- Feel: A ripe tomato will yield slightly to gentle pressure. It should feel firm but not hard, and definitely not mushy. Think of the feel of a ripe avocado.
- Ease of Picking: A truly ripe tomato will almost come away in your hand with a gentle twist. If you’re pulling hard, it’s likely not ready.
- Smell: Sniff the stem end. A ripe tomato often has a sweet, earthy, unmistakably “tomato” fragrance.
The Best Time of Day to Harvest
Timing matters more than you might think. Always aim to pick your tomatoes in the morning, if possible.
The heat of the day can stress the fruit. Picking in the cooler morning hours means they are firm, hydrated, and at their peak sugar content. This gives you the best flavor and a longer shelf life after picking.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Technique
Use the right method to avoid damaging the plant or the fruit.
- Locate the ripe tomato using the signs above.
- Support the tomato in the palm of your hand.
- With your other hand, grasp the stem just above the green, knobby joint (called the knuckle) that connects the fruit to the vine.
- Gently twist and bend the stem at that knuckle. It should snap cleanly. If it resists, use a pair of clean pruners or scissors to cut the stem there.
- Leave the green cap and stem attached to the tomato. This prevents a wound that can let in bacteria and cause rotting.
What About Picking Early (The “Windowsill” Method)?
Sometimes, you need to pick tomatoes before they are fully ripe. This is a smart strategy in certain situations.
- End of Season: If frost is forecast, pick all mature green tomatoes (those that are full-sized and have a slight glossy sheen).
- Pest Pressure: If birds or squirrels are beating you to the ripe fruit, pick at the “breaker” stage (when color first starts to show).
- Heavy Rain: To prevent splitting from a sudden water influx, harvest ripe or nearly ripe fruit before a big storm.
To ripen indoors, place tomatoes stem-side down in a single layer in a cardboard box or on a windowsill out of direct sun. Adding a banana can help, as it releases ethylene gas that speeds ripening. Check them regularly.
Handling Common Harvest Problems
Not every tomato is perfect. Here’s what to do with common issues.
Cracks or Splits
These happen from uneven watering, often a dry spell followed by heavy rain. If the cracks are shallow and the fruit is otherwise ripe, harvest it immediately and use it within a day or two. Deep cracks can invite mold.
Blossom End Rot
This dark, leathery patch on the bottom is a calcium issue, often caused by irregular watering. Unfortunately, affected fruit cannot be saved. Remove it from the plant to help the plant focus it’s energy on healthy new tomatoes.
Sunscald
This is a pale, whitish, or blistered patch on the side facing the sun. It happens when foliage is sparse. The sunscalded area will never properly ripen. You can cut it away and use the rest of the tomato if it’s otherwise healthy.
Post-Harvest Care and Storage
How you treat tomatoes after picking affects their longevity.
- Never Refrigerate Ripe Tomatoes: Cold temperatures destroy their flavor and texture. Store them at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
- Store Stem-Side Down:
This prevents moisture loss through the scar and can help them last a bit longer.
- Keep Them Separate: Don’t pile tomatoes on top of each other. This bruises them and speeds spoilage.
- Use Damaged Fruit First: Any tomato with a blemish or crack should be eaten or processed within a day.
FAQ: Your Tomato Harvesting Questions Answered
How do you know when tomatoes are ready to be picked?
Look for full color, a slight give when gently squeezed, and a easy release from the vine. The smell at the stem is also a good indicator.
What is the proper way to pick a tomato?
Support the fruit, twist at the stem’s knuckle until it snaps, or use pruners. Always leave the green cap attached to the tomato.
Can you pick tomatoes when they are green?
Yes, if they are mature green (full-sized and shiny). They will ripen off the vine, especially at the end of the growing season.
Why should you pick tomatoes in the morning?
Tomatoes are firmest and have the highest sugar content in the morning coolness. This leads to better flavor and less handling damage.
How often should I check my plants for ripe tomatoes?
During peak season, check your plants every day or two. Ripe fruit can appear quickly and is best harvested promptly.
Mastering how and when to pick tomatoes ensures all your gardening effort pays off with delicious, homegrown flavor. By following these simple tips, you’ll enjoy a bountiful and tasty harvest from your garden all season long.