Ripening tomatoes when it gets cold

As the summer days start to shorten and the temperature drops, many gardeners face the same challenge: a bunch of green tomatoes that need ripening. When cooler weather sets in, tomatoes naturally slow down their ripening process, but don't worry! With a few simple tips, you can help your tomatoes reach their full, juicy, red potential, even as autumn sets in.

Here's a guide on how to ripen your tomatoes when the weather cools down, whether they're still on the vine or you've brought them indoors.

1. Leave Them on the Vine (If Possible)

If it's not too cold just yet, keep your tomatoes on the vine. Tomatoes need warmth, not necessarily sunlight, to ripen, so if daytime temperatures are still above 15°C, they should continue to ripen outside. Remove any excess foliage around the tomatoes to help expose them to more sunlight, which can aid ripening.

2. Trim the Plant

Pruning back your tomato plant can help direct its energy toward ripening the fruit instead of producing new leaves or flowers. Pinch off any small, new flowers and trim the tops of the plants. This step can be especially helpful if it's late in the season and you know that any new tomatoes won't have time to mature before the first frost.

3. Bring Tomatoes Indoors

Once it's too cold for tomatoes to ripen outside (typically below 10°C), bring them indoors. Pick tomatoes that have started to blush or show a hint of colour, as these will ripen more easily. Gently wash them and dry them thoroughly to prevent any mould issues, and follow one of the indoor ripening methods below.

4. Use the Paper Bag Method

Place your tomatoes in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that speeds up ripening. Keep the bag in a warm area, ideally around 20-25°C, and check daily until they reach the perfect shade of red. Be cautious about over-ripening, as too much ethylene exposure can lead to mushy tomatoes.

5. Lay Them Out on a Windowsill

For tomatoes that are nearly ripe, a sunny windowsill is a great place to finish the ripening process. Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer, with the stem side down to prevent bruising. A south-facing window is ideal if you have one, as it will provide the most warmth. Rotate the tomatoes every day or two to ensure even ripening.

6. Try the Box Method

Another option is to place your tomatoes in a single layer in a shallow box lined with newspaper. Cover the tomatoes with more newspaper, and store the box in a warm, dark spot. Check them every few days, as ripening may happen more quickly than you expect. This method is particularly helpful if you have a large batch of green tomatoes that need to ripen at once.

7. Hang the Entire Plant Upside Down

If you have a lot of unripe tomatoes and the weather is turning colder, you can try pulling up the entire tomato plant and hanging it upside down in a sheltered, frost-free location like a garage or shed. Remove most of the leaves to help focus the plant's energy on the fruit. This method allows tomatoes to ripen gradually while still attached to the plant, which can enhance their flavour.

8. Watch Out for Spoilage

Keep a close eye on ripening tomatoes to catch any signs of spoilage early. Tomatoes that ripen indoors are more susceptible to mould or rot, especially if they're stored in humid conditions. If you notice any soft spots, use or discard affected tomatoes to prevent the spread of mould to other fruit.

9. Save Green Tomatoes for Recipes

If you still have green tomatoes that won't ripen, consider using them in recipes that showcase their unique flavour. Green tomatoes are delicious in fried green tomato recipes, chutneys, and salsas. They add a fresh tang and texture that can be a delightful addition to autumn meals.

Final Thoughts
With a bit of patience and creativity, you can enjoy homegrown tomatoes well into the cooler months. Whether you ripen them on a windowsill, use ethylene from bananas, or hang up whole plants, there's a method that'll work for your situation. So don't let those green tomatoes go to waste-try these methods to savour every last bit of your tomato harvest!