Speed Ripening of Tomatoes, Pumpkins, Squash and Melons
As the end of the growing and harvest season nears in much of the country, many gardeners are concerned all those small green tomatoes, immature pumpkins and melons won’t have time to ripen. Speed things along with a bit of pruning.
Pinch off the tips of each stem of indeterminate tomatoes about a month before the average first fall frost. These tomato varieties will keep growing, flowering and forming fruit until the frost kills the plant. Pinching out the stem tips redirects the plant's energy into ripening the existing fruit instead of producing more flowers and tomatoes that won't have time to mature.
Do the same with vine crops like pumpkins, winter squash and melons that may not be ripening as quickly as desired. Once the plant has formed all the fruit you desire, pinch off the tip of each stem. This will speed ripening of the existing fruit.
A bit more information: Extend the harvest season with the help of season extending fabrics like garden fabric, Harvest Guard and ReeMay. These spun materials allow air, light and water through while trapping heat around the plants.
Related
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 26, 2025
Organic Gardening Basics
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 3, 2025
Low-Maintenance Gardening
Merton, WI
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 10, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 11, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
May 17, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 18, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
June 8, 2025
Selecting the Right Hydrangea
for Your Landscape
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 14, 2025
Houseplants 101
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 20, 2025 (event 6/20-6/22)
Pollinator Celebration
Vino in the Valley
Maiden Rock, WI
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More