If your tomato plants are still covered in stubborn green fruit as August rolls on, don’t panic – you’re not alone. Many gardeners face this frustrating issue, but understanding the science behind ripening can help you turn those green orbs into juicy red treasures before the season ends.
Why Tomatoes Struggle to Ripen in August
Tomatoes require consistent warmth to produce lycopene and carotene, the pigments responsible for their vibrant red colour. However, unpredictable British summers often bring cooler nights or overcast days, slowing down the process. If temperatures drop below 12°C, ripening grinds to a near halt.
5 Expert Tricks to Speed Up Ripening
- Prune Excess Foliage: Trim back leafy growth to direct the plant’s energy into fruit development rather than maintaining leaves.
- Reduce Watering: Slightly stressing the plant by cutting back on water encourages it to focus on reproduction (i.e., ripening fruit).
- Harvest Larger Green Tomatoes: Mature green tomatoes (with a slight glossy sheen) can ripen indoors on a sunny windowsill.
- Banana Bag Trick: Place tomatoes in a paper bag with a ripe banana – the ethylene gas accelerates ripening.
- Root Pruning: Carefully slice through some surface roots with a spade to shock the plant into prioritising fruit maturation.
What NOT to Do
Avoid leaving overripe or rotting fruit on the vine, as this can attract pests and spread disease. Similarly, don’t over-fertilise in late summer – excess nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of ripening.
With these techniques, even late-season tomatoes can still reach their full, flavourful potential. Happy gardening!
