Ripening Green Tomatoes by Hanging Plants Upside Down

As the end of tomato season approaches, many gardeners are left with green tomatoes still on the vine. While green tomatoes can be fried, pickled or used in relishes, most people prefer to enjoy vine-ripened red tomatoes Luckily, there is a simple time-tested method to ripen green tomatoes – hang the entire plant upside down!

Why Hang Tomato Plants Upside Down?

Hanging tomato plants upside down takes advantage of the plant’s natural processes to direct energy and nutrients into the existing fruit As long as the tomato plant is alive, it will continue to provide nourishment to the tomatoes This allows them to slowly ripen over the next few weeks.

The other benefit of hanging whole plants is air circulation. Tomatoes ripen best with good airflow, which prevents mold and rotting. Suspending the entire plant provides plenty of space for air to circulate around the tomatoes.

When to Hang Tomato Plants Upside Down

The ideal time to hang tomato plants is when frost threatens or when you need to remove plants from the garden for new crops. As long as the plant remains healthy, the existing tomatoes will continue ripening.

Many gardeners wait until the first frost warning to dig up and hang their plants. A light frost usually won’t damage the plant, allowing more time for ripening. However, once a hard freeze hits it’s best to pick any remaining fruit and use it green.

How to Hang Tomato Plants Upside Down

Follow these simple steps for ripening tomatoes on upside down plants:

• Choose an area protected from frost and weather. An unheated garage, covered porch or basement are good options.

• Remove the entire plant from the ground, keeping the root ball intact. Shake off excess soil.

• Prune off any dead or diseased foliage, but leave healthy leaves to nourish the tomatoes.

• Hang the plant upside down by tying the stem to a rafter, beam or hook. Use twine, rope or even a sturdy hanger through the root ball.

• Check plants daily and pick tomatoes as they ripen. Keep an eye out for dropping fruit!

• Expect the plant and leaves to wither as it dies. Clip off dried leaves or any rotting tomatoes.

• Enjoy vine-ripened tomatoes for up to 4-6 weeks!

Tips for Ripening Upside Down Tomatoes

Follow these tips for getting the most out of hanging your green tomato plants:

• Hang plants in a warm area, ideally 60-70°F. Warmer temperatures encourage faster ripening.

• Gently twist tomatoes off the vine rather than pulling to avoid damaging the stem.

• Sort by ripeness, keeping almost-ripe tomatoes on the vine and picking greens for cooking.

• Check plants daily and remove any dropped or rotting tomatoes promptly.

• Mist plants occasionally with water to provide moisture. But avoid soaking the leaves.

• For large plants, hang upside down in groups by tying several stems together.

• Wrap a tarp loosely around plants for protection if hung outdoors. Don’t wrap tightly or restrict airflow.

What to Do With Unripened Tomatoes

If frost or rot cut your ripening time short, don’t despair. Green tomatoes have plenty of uses beyond the typical fried slices. Here are a few tasty options:

• Salsa Verde – Blanch and puree green tomatoes for a tangy salsa.

• Green Tomato Chutney – A sweet and savory green tomato condiment.

• Pickled Green Tomatoes – Enjoy them pickled with spices.

• Fried Green Tomatoes – A Southern classic! Dredge and fry thick slices.

• Green Tomato Cake – Surprisingly delicious sweet cake with grated green tomatoes.

• Green Tomato Pie – Bake sliced green tomatoes in a pie shell.

So don’t say goodbye to tomato season just yet. Hang those green tomatoes upside down and enjoy ripe, juicy tomatoes for weeks to come!