#563 Why Aren’t My Tomatoes Ripening? (Frustration and Desperation)

The Veg Grower Podcast

In the latest episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, host Richard delves into the intricacies of tomatoes ripening, shares an innovative upcycling project, and discusses the benefits of a new compost tumbler on his allotment. Additionally, Scott brings a delightful culinary twist with a recipe for lemon and elderflower posset with red gooseberry compote.

Understanding and Solving Tomato Ripening Issues

The Science Behind Tomato Ripening

Richard begins by addressing a common issue many gardeners face: tomatoes not ripening as expected. He explains that the ripening process is influenced by the plant hormone ethylene, which is crucial for the development of the fruit’s colour and flavour. Environmental factors such as temperature and sunlight play a significant role in ethylene production.

Factors Affecting Ripening

Temperature:** Tomatoes require a consistent temperature range of 21-24°C for optimal ripening. Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) or below 50°F (10°C) can hinder the process.
Sunlight:** Adequate sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, which in turn supports the ripening process. Ensure your tomato plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Practical Solutions

Richard offers several practical solutions to encourage tomato ripening:

Remove Lower Leaves:** By removing the lower leaves of the tomato plant, you can improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease, which can indirectly support ripening.
Use Ethylene-Emitting Fruits:** Placing bananas near your tomato plants can help. Bananas emit ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening process.
Prune and Pinch:** Regularly prune and pinch off suckers (the small shoots that grow between the stem and branches) to direct the plant’s energy towards fruit development.

Upcycling Project: Turning Tomato Sauce Tins into Plant Pots

The Benefits of Upcycling

Richard introduces an upcycling project where he repurposes large tins of tomato sauce as plant pots. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also provides a cost-effective solution for gardening.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Tins: Clean the tins thoroughly and remove any labels.
Drill Drainage Holes: Use a drill to create several drainage holes at the bottom of each tin to prevent waterlogging.
Add Perlite and Compost: Fill the tins with a mixture of perlite and compost to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability.
Planting: Richard chose to plant ginger in his upcycled pots, but you can experiment with various plants based on your preference.

Encouraging Creativity

Richard emphasizes the importance of creativity in gardening. Upcycling projects like this not only benefit the environment but also add a unique touch to your garden. Consider using other discarded items such as old buckets, tires, or even broken furniture to create functional and aesthetically pleasing garden features.

Efficient Composting with a New Tumbler

Advantages of a Compost Tumbler

Richard shares his excitement about a new compost tumbler he received for his allotment. Compost tumblers offer several advantages over traditional compost bins:

Faster Composting:** The tumbling action aerates the compost, speeding up the decomposition process.
Ease of Use:** Tumblers are easier to turn and manage, making them ideal for gardeners with limited physical strength.
Pest Control:** Enclosed tumblers reduce the risk of pests such as rodents and insects.

Tips for Effective Composting

Balance Green and Brown Materials:** Ensure a good mix of green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Green materials include kitchen scraps and grass clippings, while brown materials include leaves and cardboard.
Maintain Moisture Levels:** The compost should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. Add water if it’s too dry or dry materials if it’s too wet.
Regular Turning:** Turn the compost regularly to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process.

Chef Scott’s Lemon and Elderflower Posset with Red Gooseberry Compote

Scott brings a refreshing culinary twist to the episode with his recipe for lemon and elderflower posset with red gooseberry compote. This dessert is not only delicious but also highlights the use of homegrown ingredients.

You can find chef Scott’s recipe here, or on his Instagram page seed to plot 13

Conclusion

This episode of the Veg Grower Podcast offers a wealth of practical advice and inspiration for gardeners and home cooks. From understanding the science behind tomato ripening to embarking on creative upcycling projects and efficient composting, Richard provides valuable insights that can enhance your gardening experience. Meanwhile, Scott’s delightful recipe adds a touch of culinary magic, encouraging listeners to make the most of their homegrown ingredients.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

Richard also highlights his participation in a charity fundraising event organized by the Bearded Growers, aiming to get kids gardening in schools. He encourages listeners to donate to the cause and mentions the opportunity to win fantastic prizes. Additionally, he urges listeners to rate and review the podcast and consider joining the supporters club for exclusive content and benefits. Find out more by clicking the button below

Join our supporters club

For more gardening tips, creative projects, and delicious recipes, be sure to tune in to the Veg Grower Podcast and stay connected with Richard and Scott through their various platforms. Happy gardening and cooking!

Time Stamps

Tomatoes not ripening (00:00:05)
Richard discusses the challenges of his tomato plants not ripening due to cold weather, lack of sunlight, and ethylene hormone production.

Upcycling project with tomato tins (00:07:57)
Richard shares an upcycling project using large tins of tomato sauce as plant pots, including drilling drainage holes and planting ginger plants.

Lemon and elderflower posset recipe (00:13:09)
Scott shares a recipe for lemon and elderflower posset with red gooseberry compote as a quick and simple dessert using homegrown berries.

New compost tumbler (00:15:08)
Richard expresses his excitement about receiving a compost tumbler, explaining its unique features and its role in producing compost.

Importance of mixing compost (00:17:11)
Richard emphasizes the importance of mixing compost to accelerate the production process and discusses the tools he uses for this purpose.

The new compost tumbler (00:21:25)
Richard discusses the addition of a new compost tumbler to his allotment and expresses hope for its productivity.

Fundraising event announcement (00:22:34)
Richard announces his participation in a charity fundraising event to get kids gardening in schools and encourages donations with a chance to win prizes.

Podcast wrap-up and call to action (00:23:38)
Richard encourages listeners to rate and review the podcast, discusses changes on Spotify, and invites support through the supporters club.