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Health & Fitness

Tomatoes Refusing to Turn Red?

Options to help your tomato plants along into the ripening stage.

A customer asked me about a problem she was having with her tomato plants. She said that her tomatoes were not turning red. They are heavy and full sized fruits, but they are just not turning red.

First question I had, was; "Did you purchase a green variety?" She stated, No.

Well then, I suggested two options to help the plants along.

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1.) Topping off the plant. By this I mean; Cut off the top foliage on the plant, being careful to not cut off any stems that still have fruit attached. This opens up the plant to more sunlight. This also allows the plant to put more energy into the ripening and not into producing more leaves and flowers.

2.) Another options is to remove the fruit from the vine by cutting off the tomato with a small amount of stem still attached. Then, placing this tomato in a paper bag along with a ripe banana or apple to hasten the ripening. Do remember to check on your fruit in the bag daily as the fruit does cause faster ripening.
As always, if you are having any issues in the garden, that you would like addressed, post a picture or ask a question; on my Facebook page.

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