The planted tomato variety determines the beginning of the harvest season. Depending on the ripening period, this can be as early as June/July or as late as August/September. Find out here how to recognize ripe tomatoes.

The nicer the summer - the earlier the harvest

A warm, dry summer makes the hearts of tomato gardeners beat faster. The botanical ripening clock ticks a little faster, so that the anticipation of the first crisp and fresh pleasure increases. Conversely, this means that when the weather is cool and rainy, the start of the harvest season is a long time coming. How to recognize ripe tomatoes at first glance:

  • the fruits are colored throughout
  • there are no green spots on the shell
  • the tomato yields a little when you press it lightly
  • the predetermined breaking point on the stem buckles quickly

For the tomatoes on a single plant, the harvest time does not start simultaneously. Rather, it is usually the fruits in the immediate vicinity of the trunk that are the first to signal their ripeness. Take a look under the leaves here, too, so that you don't miss any magnificent specimens. As a rule of thumb, the harvest season starts earlier in the greenhouse than outdoors.

This is how you influence an early start of the harvest season

Although the weather and tomato variety have a significant impact on the course of the harvest season, hobby gardeners still have a certain influence. The following factors in care have a positive effect on the maturing period:

  • a sunny, warm location
  • Airy growth through targeted attachment to a climbing aid
  • regular, constant watering without fluctuations
  • a balanced supply of nutrients
  • consistent cutting out of superfluous side shoots

The focus is on a rain-protected location so that the brown rot disease does not destroy any hope of a rich harvest. Ideally, you grow tomatoes in a greenhouse or at least under a rain canopy.

tips and tricks

If the tomatoes in the bed or greenhouse simply do not want to ripen, spread a dark red film under the plants. Scientists found that the light waves are picked up by the unripe tomatoes. Believing that all the other fruits are already deep red, they make a mighty effort to catch up.

Category:

Vegetable garden