As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in to Alberta, many gardeners find themselves with tomatoes still green on the vine. In our Zone 3 climate, where the growing season is short, it can feel disheartening to leave unripe tomatoes in the garden when the first frost looms. But don’t worry—there’s a solution! With a little care and some indoor know-how, you can still enjoy your homegrown tomatoes ripened to perfection, even as the temperatures drop outside.
Why Ripen Tomatoes Indoors?
Tomatoes don’t need to stay on the vine to ripen! As long as they have started turning color, they can continue the ripening process indoors. Ripening tomatoes indoors allows you to extend the season, ensuring you enjoy the fruits of your labour despite Alberta's potential early frosts. This is a great way to avoid disappointment and savour the taste of homegrown tomatoes—without the race against the weather.
1. Harvesting for Indoor Ripening
When frost is forecasted, it is time to bring those tomatoes inside. Look for tomatoes that have started to blush—this means they have turned from deep green to a lighter shade or started showing a hint of red, orange, or yellow. These are the perfect candidates for indoor ripening.
For tomatoes that are still entirely green, you can still harvest them, but they will take longer to ripen indoors. You can speed this up with a few tricks (we will get to those soon!).
2. How to Ripen Tomatoes Indoors: Tried and True Methods
Once your tomatoes are harvested, it is time to bring them indoors for their final stage of ripening. Here is how to ensure success:
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Windowsill Ripening: Place your tomatoes on a sunny windowsill, where they will benefit from the warmth of the sun. Turn them every couple of days for even ripening.
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The Paper Bag Trick: For faster ripening, place tomatoes in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple. These fruits naturally release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Just be sure to check the bag regularly and remove any tomatoes as they ripen.
If you have an abundance of tomatoes and an impending frost, consider using either of the following methods:
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Hanging the Whole Plant: Consider pulling the entire plant from the garden and hanging it upside down in a cool, dry place (like a garage or basement). This method allows the tomatoes to ripen on the vine.
- Cardboard Boxes: Place your green tomatoes in a single layer in a cardboard box. Fruit boxes work well in this situation. Be sure to check the box regularly and remove any tomatoes as they ripen.
3. Create the Right Conditions
Tomatoes ripen best in a warm, humid environment with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Avoid placing them in the fridge, as cold temperatures halt the ripening process and can affect the texture and flavor of your fruit. Instead, find a cozy spot in your home and give them time.
A key tip for new gardeners: if your tomatoes are ripening too slowly, try clustering them together. They will release ethylene gas, helping each other ripen more quickly.
4. Patience and Care Yield the Best Results
Ripening tomatoes indoors takes a bit of patience, but the payoff is worth it. You will get to enjoy that unbeatable, homegrown flavour without worrying about the weather. Be sure to monitor your tomatoes daily—remove any that have ripened fully and keep an eye out for signs of spoilage.
5. Don’t Forget Green Tomatoes!
If frost catches you off guard and you end up with a lot of unripe, green tomatoes, don’t despair! Green tomatoes can be used in a variety of delicious recipes, from fried green tomatoes to tangy chutneys. Or, let them ripen naturally indoors over time using the methods mentioned above.
Extend Your Harvest Year After Year
As a gardener in Alberta’s Zone 3, learning how to ripen tomatoes indoors is one of the best ways to ensure you make the most of your growing season. With a few simple strategies, you can extend your harvest and enjoy the fruits of your garden well into fall.
Happy gardening and enjoy those homegrown tomatoes!
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