Tomatoes - any chance of ripening?

[maggiethecat]

I planted our Homebase small tomato plants at end of July and have a number of fruit some of which are a decent size but have been that way for a few weeks now.

First time tomato grower and wonder if, given the time of year/weather, they have any chance of ripening or should I just chalk this up to experience?

Where are they? Garden/greenhouse/indoors?

I have no idea but someone else might. I have a few green ones but mine are indoor.

I reckon mine are still slowly ripening, but there are so many left green that I’m going to make chutney.

They're outside. It's sounding like chutney.....

Pick them and bring them in, put them in a box or paper bag with an apple or banana, and they may well slowly ripen.

Plant earlier next year and you will be inundated with fine ripe tomatoes

I picked loads of green tomatoes about two weeks ago. Had them in a giant mixing bowl inside and they’ve all ripened

In picked all of my green tomatoes a few weeks ago. I had loads so carried out a bit of an experience br to see which ones ripened first. I put some on a tray on a sunny windowsill, some under a cloche on a less sunny windowsill, left some outside, out some in a deep bowl on the work surface and put some in a brown bag with a banana.

They have all started to ripen but the most success I had by far were the ones Ona tray on a sunny windowsill. The ones in a brown bag with a banana were the least ripened of the lot (including the ones left outside!).

@Mysteryfairy me too - I picked everything remaining on Tuesday and brought them inside - some of them are turning red already.

Mine all came in last week and are now at 3 stages of ripening - almost there - a bit yellow/orange - probably green forever (chutney) keep yhem in a warmish room preferably in a cardboard box or paper bag and be patient

Just here to repeat what pp have said I put mine in a bowl in a cupboard and they always ripen. An apple or banana will speed the process.

I didn't get a brilliant crop this year though, there was a lot of insect damage.

Knew I could count on ye all!

Much as it pains me I'll pick everything and bring in and see what happens. Lesson learned though - will plant a couple of months earlier next year.

Deffo put them in a box with an apple. FIL just did this and they ripened a treat.

There's been a problem with ripening tomatoes this year.

Strip as many leaves off the plant as you dare. Mine ripened after doing that. Get them totally exposed to the light.

Pleased I came across this thread! I need to work out what to do with this lot, which I finally picked today

This is just what I needed to see today! I have picked lots of ripe tomatoes this afternoon but still loads on the plants, with some still ripening but some pretty green. Thanks for the tips!

Pick them, put some kitchen roll on a tray and place them on top but not touching each other, you'll have some ripe tomatoes at Christmas, failing that it's green tomato chutney

Confusedofengland - wow, that is a big haul!
I decided to leave mine on since tomorrow/Monday is supposed to be very sunny and, as gamerchick said, stripped off many leaves. I'll see what happens before picking.

I expect that any frost will kill the plant but will the fruit be damaged by frost if they're unpicked at that time?

All mine have ripened in a paper bag with an apple, in a warm dark cupboard. I had so many that I made passata yesterday, which takes billions of tomatoes to make a surprisingly small amount, but tastes like edible summer 🍅

@maggiethecat that was from about 5 tomato plants, but agree it is a good number

If we get any more sunny days here, is it worth putting the tomatoes out in the garden in the sunshine, while it lasts? Or is that not a good idea now they are off the plant?

@Saisong the passata sounds amazing! I plan to make soup with some of mine & hidden veg sauce with the rest. Will need to clear some freezer space though.