Picking tomatoes at the right time is key to enjoying their delicious flavor. Let’s dive into how to tell when your Better Boy tomatoes are perfectly ripe for the picking!
Contents
- 1 About Better Boy Tomatoes
- 2 When to Start Looking for Ripe Tomatoes
- 3 Signs Your Better Boy Tomatoes Are Ready to Pick
- 4 The Gentle Squeeze Test
- 5 What If a Frost Is Coming?
- 6 How to Ripen Tomatoes Indoors
- 7 Picking Green Tomatoes
- 8 Tools for Harvesting
- 9 How to Store Tomatoes After Picking
- 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About Better Boy Tomatoes
Better Boy tomatoes are a popular choice for home gardeners. They’re known for their disease resistance, large size, and great taste. These tomatoes are a hybrid variety, meaning they’re bred from two different types of tomatoes to combine their best qualities. They typically produce fruits that are 12-16 ounces.
When to Start Looking for Ripe Tomatoes
Generally, Better Boy tomatoes are ready to harvest about 70-75 days after you transplant the seedlings into your garden. This translates to roughly two to three months, but this timeframe can vary depending on your local climate and growing conditions.
Signs Your Better Boy Tomatoes Are Ready to Pick
Here’s what to look for to determine when your Better Boy tomatoes are ripe:
* **Color:** The most obvious sign is the color. Better Boy tomatoes should be a deep, vibrant red. The entire tomato should be uniformly red, with no green or yellow patches.
* **Firmness:** Gently squeeze the tomato. It should feel slightly soft but still firm. If it’s rock hard, it needs more time. If it’s mushy, it’s likely overripe.
* **Scent:** Ripe tomatoes have a distinct, sweet, and earthy aroma. Sniff the tomato near the stem – if it smells like a tomato, it’s a good sign!
* **Stem:** The tomato should detach easily from the vine with a gentle twist. If you have to tug hard, it’s not quite ready.
The Gentle Squeeze Test
This is one of the most reliable ways to check for ripeness. A ripe Better Boy tomato will give slightly when gently squeezed. Avoid squeezing too hard, as you don’t want to bruise the fruit.
What If a Frost Is Coming?
If a frost is predicted, harvest any tomatoes that have begun to turn color, even if they’re not fully ripe. These tomatoes will ripen indoors. Green tomatoes can also be harvested, but they won’t have the same flavor as vine-ripened ones.
How to Ripen Tomatoes Indoors
To ripen tomatoes indoors, place them in a single layer in a cardboard box or paper bag. Add a ripe banana or apple to the box; these fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Store the box in a cool, dark place (around 65-70°F or 18-21°C) and check the tomatoes daily.
Picking Green Tomatoes
While vine-ripened tomatoes have the best flavor, green tomatoes can still be used in various dishes. They’re great for making fried green tomatoes, salsa verde, or tomato chutney.
Tools for Harvesting
While you can often pick tomatoes by hand, using a pair of pruning shears or garden scissors can be helpful, especially for larger tomatoes or when the stems are tough. Cut the stem close to the tomato to avoid damaging the plant.
How to Store Tomatoes After Picking
* **Room Temperature:** Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. This helps them retain their flavor and texture.
* **Refrigeration:** Only refrigerate tomatoes if they are already overripe or if you need to store them for more than a few days. Refrigeration can dull their flavor and make them mealy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Picking Too Early:** Be patient! Tomatoes need time to develop their full flavor and color.
* **Picking Too Late:** Overripe tomatoes will be soft, mushy, and may have a bland taste.
* **Damaging the Plant:** Be gentle when harvesting to avoid breaking branches or disturbing other tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: How long does it take for Better Boy tomatoes to ripen?**
A: Typically, 70-75 days after transplanting seedlings.
**Q: Can I ripen Better Boy tomatoes indoors?**
A: Yes, place them in a box or paper bag with a ripe banana or apple.
**Q: What should ripe Better Boy tomatoes look like?**
A: Deep red, slightly soft but firm, and fragrant.
**Q: What do I do if frost is coming?**
A: Harvest any tomatoes that have started to turn color and ripen them indoors.
**Q: Can I eat green Better Boy tomatoes?**
A: Yes, they can be used in dishes like fried green tomatoes.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to harvest your Better Boy tomatoes at their peak ripeness and enjoy their delicious flavor all season long!