Q for Tomato Plant Gardeners

I have a real nice Patio Tomato growing and the tomatos are starting to turn red. I am wondering when should i pick them? When does red get too red, and then its too late? Simple question, any help appriciated.

Depends on how firm you like them . I just picked a couple off our Beefsteak tomatoes (not a patio variety, but rather an indeterminate plant) and they were just right. No green to be seen, but hadn't progressed to mushy by a long shot. Generally speaking, the flavor is not at its peak if there's any green yet showing on the maters. With patio tomatoes you're probably going to have them ALL (bush type plant) getting ripe at about the same time. You'll be able to see which ones are at the peak of ripeness in no time at all!

when they are firm but not yet squishy.

you could always pick them a little green and leave them to ripen in a brown paper bag with a banana or two.

Thank you for your help. I just replied to the "i cant cook" thread, but i can grow plants. I would most likly be useing them in sandwiches, ( because i cant cook) , so may be firm and sooner , than later? Thank you for your thougts. Its a learning experience for me.

Tomatoes are perfectly ripe when they come off easily in your hand, without having to twist or pull them. One of the joys of patio tomatoes is that you can leave them to ripen on the plant, it would be a real shame to pick them unripe and then leave them to ripen indoors, that kind of defeats the whole joy of having your own plants.

Originally Posted by Sammie5

Tomatoes are perfectly ripe when they come off easily in your hand, without having to twist or pull them. One of the joys of patio tomatoes is that you can leave them to ripen on the plant, it would be a real shame to pick them unripe and then leave them to ripen indoors, that kind of defeats the whole joy of having your own plants.

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Also, IMHO, the flavor is much improved if they're allowed to ripen on the plant.

I agree - much better if allowed to ripen on the vine

Another vote for leaving them on the plant until you want to use them. There's nothing lovelier or sweeter than a tomato just picked. They'll leave the plant willingly when they're ready.