How to Ripen Green Tomatoes Indoors

[@madamebutterfly851]

Thank you for being a great Dad. We dont give Dads enough credit!

[@PorchGardeningWithPassion]

I totally agree!

[@tidbit220]

Dude. You are such a great dad! I loved this whole experiment and the way you involved your kids. Thank you for your research!

[@DIYwithDave]

Thank you!

[@chrisjensen1814]

Yup! And thanks for the info! I just had to harvest all my green tomatoes today, and I was wondering what’s the quickest way

[@garrykeelan4790]

DIY Dave is gonna be a boyfriends nightmare. " Hey, let me show you how I built this soundproof torture room with my 24 " biceps " 😂

[@justintime6346]

​@@DIYwithDavegreat homeschool lesson! Thanks

[@billburrows7900]

@@garrykeelan4790 pp

[@GoodVibesNewlevel2023]

I love how you involved your children in this experiment especially when we are trying to teach them to pick up the love for growing their own food.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thank you! 😊

[@mendezchristian1]

Probalbly one of the best videos I have seen so far this year. Simple and nicely explained.

[@DIYwithDave]

What a great compliment, thank you!

[@terristillwaugh3063]

I am going to pick mine right now and leave them in a bowl. Thanks, you and your kids are great!!

[@dentistjk]

I came here for the tomatoes, but left with the experience of a great dad. Beautiful family.

[@DIYwithDave]

You are too kind, thank you!

[@lifestapestry2968]

Good experiment... In a bowl out of sunlight is the best answer.

[@Michelle-CraftyWACatLady]

What a great experiment to do with your children, that's wonderful.

[@susieinthecountry4434]

yes, he engaged them♥

[@suzzettebridges4931]

I just put them on my counter not touching each other under my kitchen light

[@virginia2chis333]

I see this video is now two years old at this point.. I just now found your channel and had to take a moment and tell you how impressed I am. As a former teacher, it’s usually easy to recognize a good family. Your whole presentation, patience & demeanor spoke volumes! May God richly bless you & your precious family!🙏🏼

[@DIYwithDave]

You are too kind, thank you!

[@virginia2chis333]

@@DIYwithDave 🤗

[@Ceretrea]

Came here to find out how to ripen my green tomatoes indoors, was not disappointed. Surprised to find such an easy option, well explained and thoroughly demonstrated. Thank you!

[@DIYwithDave]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@532bluepeter1]

You can also ripen tomatoes with heat as I found by accident. I left a bag of green tomatoes near a radiator and left them for a day or two intending to make chutney but some had ripened in the warmth.

[@derekandfarley]

Nice to see a loving dad spending time with his children and turning it into a fun learning opportunity. Good on you Dad

[@Mialuvsveggies]

It is SO precious that you included your children in this experiment and encouraged them to come to their own conclusions. Excellent parenting.👍

[@holycow8743]

Thank you for taking the time to do that whole process. I have about 50 green tomatoes and I thought I had to throw them out but now I can salvage all of them and you’re a really great dad.❤

[@markmanning7882]

First off, I’m so impressed that you did this with your kids! It’s a great way to teach them the basis of scientific study and how to design and execute and experiment. Absolutely loved it. Secondly, I was absolutely shocked. I thought for sure the banana would release the most Etheline gas and cause the tomatoes to ripen fastest. At minimum, I thought keeping them in the brown paper would outperform the open bowl method. Great job!

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@daisygass6962]

Definitely picking the rest of my green tomatoes and placing them in a bowl. Thanks for doing the experiment and loved how the kids enjoyed being a part of it.

[@rockieandstones2228]

Like many others, came for the info stayed for the wholesome family. Loved that you did this with your kids! Bowl it is!

[@JaniceCrowell]

Never saw your videos before, but you are such an awesome dad that I subscribed. After having a terrible dad, I have so much respect for you. God bless you and your family!

[@DIYwithDave]

You are too kind! Thank you!!

[@aaronwilliamson4045]

Wife always put them on a sunny window sill.. Still the best... Love the way you interact with your children.

[@krissifaith6709]

Aww...loved this. It is amazing how kids eat veggies without issues when they learn to grow them. *^ What wonderful parents.

[@brianmartin2172]

I guess that's why the old timers just put them on the kitchen windowsill to ripen. Great video I found it at the perfect time. I have a bunch of green tomatoes and it's starting to cool down already here in the NorthEast. Now I know what to do for sure! Thanks!

[@JaniceCrowell]

I shared this video with my homeschool group because I think it’s great they way you clearly explained things to the kids. Informative.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks again!

[@kolt9051]

This was actually seriously entertaining...your "acting crew" really makes this fun! Thanks for explaining your methods too.

[@DIYwithDave]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@0314naho]

Your kids are so cute and thank you for sharing your experiment! I just picked lots of green tomatoes and your video really helped. I think kids learn the best from experimenting themselves instead of just watching someone else doing it and you really inspired me!

[@JL-ze5qm]

It's getting to frost time and I have lots of green tomatoes still growing. Just yesterday I asked my husband if I should pick them all. All summer I've been picking them a little underripe and putting them in the north-facing sun room to ripen (to avoid splitting, bursting, or insect attacks). It's a warm room, and the tomatoes ripen fully in only a couple days. So, it's nice to know, from your video, that I've been going about it the right way. I just have to be careful not to put them right up on the window sill as the sun is just a little too hot right there and the tomatoes can get sunburnt. Thanks for this video! Cheers.

[@ben68442]

Very cute kids learning from a parent. Wonderful job Dave. I remember so much from my mom, especially about gardening and cooking. I have no doubt that your family will remember as well. Thanks for the video. I've been ripening tomatoes that need to come in from the cold for years. Patience will prevail.

[@SirenaSpades]

Dave, your experience was awesome, I love the cages you built on your raised beds. I have experience with this being from northern Maine, I always have to pick them all due to frost. I put what I have in a crate, lined with cardboard. This minimizes air, but not airtight. I've also done newspaper lining. I put all the tomatoes in there, put cardboard on top, too. I put them in my cold cellar. It's cool by then and dark. You want it dark. And cool. lol This minimizes rot as long as possible. Don't put them in a window. If you have a banana, throw it in, but if any of the tomatoes are starting to turn red, you don't need to, because it releases the same enzymes. Good to go. I once was able to put up 3 canning, 12 jars each, batches of salsa from "green" tomatoes, that turned red, one year.

[@MegaInvestigations]

Thanks for doing this experiment! I have green tomatoes all throughout my garden and wasn’t sure how to get them ripe before the first frost. Your kiddos are adorable!

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks for watching! Last year I had an early frost and I covered the tomatoes with blankets and tarps at night a couple of times and that protected them for a few weeks and allowed a few more to ripen on the vine. The ideal temperature for tomatoes to ripen is in the mid 70's, but anytime the temperature drops below 60°F during the day, the tomatoes will have a hard time ripening. When the weather turns and it gets to that point consistently. it's best to pick them and let them ripen indoors. Good luck!

[@connieyan8721]

Thanks for making this video. Nice to see a Dad who incorporates healthy, interesting activities into his children's lives. Also, great content... I'm a novice tomato grower and this answered all my questions about ripening tomatoes off the vine (some of which I never even thought to ask!) Can you do one of these on peppers?

[@ruthscaife9343]

This was perfect!! We just had our 1st frost and I’m wanting to start cutting down for the season but there are still a lot of tomatoes on the vine. Now I know what I’m going to do!!! Thank you😊

[@delanohenry5888]

You're a genuine dad chief and the video was very informative

[@jimjr4432]

Great job, letting the kids think it through the process. Love the 'confounding variables' too. Blessings

[@sahilarora3126]

The good thing is you are teaching your kids and making them interested to doing experiments in life. 🙏

[@gm7304]

Little dude looks great Thank You for this video I never had children but watching this was heartwarming Great Job Dave

[@windmolenfarm8030]

Thank you so much. I have had the same problem. It got down to 29 F last night and my plants are done. I need to ripen about 50 tomatoes and can some and save a few for slicing. I have always wondered the best way to ripen green or slightly ripened tomatoes and now you have done the testing for me. Muchas Gracias Amigo!

[@DIYwithDave]

De nada! I'm glad you found it useful!

[@Eastpinehome]

I love that you included your kids :) kids need to learn this stuff!

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks! I agree!!

[@guilene6]

I really love the way that your kids are part of the video! ❤

[@PorchGardeningWithPassion]

Very cool test! I have a bunch of green Romas here on 9/13 looking to ripen them before the temps really dip and things get soggy. I live in Lynden, WA.

[@yooperlooper]

Great video!! I love that you did a type of 'design of experiment'' to determine the best result. I'm take my tomatoes out of the bag, wrap the newspaper around each one and try the bowl-on-counter method. HAH! I love it

[@DIYwithDave]

Glad you liked it!

[@sarasotarebel2445]

Exactly what I needed to see. I accidentally clipped a vine of green tomatoes when I meant to clip a red tomato. I'm going to put the green ones in a bowl and let them ripen. I'm keeping them on the same vine because I've noticed that the best tomatoes from the supermarket are all on the same vine. Thanks for this great experiment.

[@DIYwithDave]

Glad I could help!

[@tamigomez477]

Love this video! It helped me to know what to do with my tomatoes and loved your kids learning as well!!

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@hmb..]

First time watching and I love that his kids are involved. Haven’t seen the results yet, but will decide to subscribe after that

[@cindyscharr457]

It is wonderful that you are teaching your children how to be problem solvers and learning about science at the same time.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@mrsamberwood]

Very helpful! I love how you teach your kiddos along the way!!

[@1715905950]

So tonight I’m gonna go pick my green tomatoes and put them in a bowl. I’ve kind of done this for years but now it’s nice to know that that’s the best. Nice controlled experiment

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@fearlv1rattata]

What a great harvest and a great family!

Hello my friend. This is a good and interesting idea. I didn't know that dometes would mature this way. I have learned now. I saw the green tomato ripening indoors. Kids love tomatoes :-) Thank you for sharing. See you. Stay healthy and happy. Greetings.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks for watching!

@@DIYwithDave see you

[@cheripowers9924]

What a great experiment! Last year I had to harvest tomatoes early and I read that covering each one with newspaper and putting them in a box would cause them to ripen. It works, but it was also time consuming. This time, I'm going to try just leaving them out instead, that's so much easier.

[@monicak100]

My problem with this is I'm always getting fruit flies!

[@cheripowers9924]

@@monicak100 you definitely have to monitor them. It's the juice they're attracted to so if you get rid of split ones or rotting ones, it'll help alleviate the problem. I had mine in a small box, like when you get the 24 pack of pop at Costco, and put that on a storage rack in the garage. It's cooler but not refrigerator cold.

[@hadassahhaman7550]

LOVED the video! You're a great dad and kids are wonderful ❤️! I ripen my tomatoes on a platter on a table near a window with an apple. I get numerous tomatoes that ripen every couple days. Ethylene and oxygen combo maybe? 😊 Keep the videos coming big guy!

[@LauraKuhlConversations]

Thank you!! I have my toms bagged with a banana in them too, and they're not going very fast! I'll try it your sons way! BTW, You are lifting your cans out with the wrong end of the tool. I learned this too from a woman who was canning green toms in salt and boiling water. She laughed at herself and I was like I've done it the wrong way for a long time and let me tell you how much easier it is to lift them out using the tool the correct way, was WAY easier! ;) I hope it helps. Thanks again for your video!

[@realrosesforever3847]

Very nice informative video! Beautiful blessed family! Thank you.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it useful.

[@judykaspar7402]

Excellent and I found it just when I needed it most. I have two cherry tomato plants dying but are full of green tomatoes. Now I know what to do. I can't thank you enough

[@HektorBandimar]

Good video, and a good test, you have taught your little ones ( and people on the internet) a useful lesson. I have some green tomatoes in a bowl on my kitchen window sill, they seem to turn red faster if you put a ripe tomato in with all the green ones.

[@DIYwithDave]

That's interesting. I'll have to try that!

[@ElizabethMcRae-w1v]

Great teaching moment for the kids, love it! Thank you, I'll be putting my green tomatoes on the counter in the sunlight! perfect shirt too, Dad :-)

[@Bigmouth660]

A dad that canns is a dad that plans! Best video today❤

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@smb123211]

Great experiment. We live in a modern glass house and I set all my fruit on the table where it ripens perfectly without apples, bananas or bags. Glad for the confirmation. You should make a picture of this moment.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@melissascott5395]

I was just about to put our green tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana. So glad I watched! (And a Pittsburgh dad to boot? Awesome!)

[@myjunkmail007]

Loved the experiment! Very surprised by the results. Contradicts all the posts and articles I've ever read. I have a box of green tomatoes on the kitchen counter right now. I guess I'll open the flaps! ;)

[@DIYwithDave]

Good luck!

[@debradevine3949]

Loved you included your kids! Great experiment. Saved me lots of time in trying these methods. What fun! Thank you.

[@johnhansen8272]

I think regardless of the method, keeping them separate is the most important- I.e doing pile them into a bag or bowl. Spread them out. Great job harvesting them though, I’ve eaten fresh tomatoes in December most years after harvesting them green from our greenhouse after it freezes about three weeks after a freeze outside. Well done on you including your kids in the process.

[@conniewinters2886]

I read comments on another website that some of our older, wiser citizens chimed in and said if you cover them with a tea towel. Worked like a charm.

[@williamschultz285]

Hi Dave, your video was informative, fun, and inspirational. Thanks much for being a great role model for individuals and families.:) Bill

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

What a great video! Super good that you involved the kids. They learned and gained confidence. Your a good dad God Bless and have.

[@DIYwithDave]

That is so kind, thank you!

[@paulaj2829]

I think you did a great job with your wonderful family.

[@dogwalker1963]

Awesome job, Dave. I'm putting my tomatoes in a bowl in the big sunny window I have. Thanks!

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks for watching!

[@willlondon1824]

Really good experiment and you included the kids. The competition was awesome. Thanks.

[@tmoomoo42]

Great teaching the kids. Great Dad. I've always done it the way grandma did it, wrap them in news paper and put them in a paper sack. Same principle it works.

[@DIYwithDave]

Don't argue with grandma! She always knows best. 😀 👍

[@tmoomoo42]

@@DIYwithDave I’m canning my carrots today closed out garden for the season. Still have jams,apple butter, apple pie filling to can then I’m done.

[@TacoBell5DollarBox]

thank you going to try this. This is my second garden season.. last year i had no success and this year I did very well. I have hundreds of tomatoes that are green and need to be harvested.

[@molly_jean]

Great experiment...Thank you! You’re an awesome Dad too! I love your t-shirt at the end...so appropriate for the video 😊

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@paolapardo4435]

Had I came here sooner I wouldn’t have lost so many tomatoes! They’ve been eating every night by God knows what! And I have nets! Thank you for posting! I’m going to do this.

[@vajazzlerthis]

Great video! I think I was a surprised as you were with the outcome but it's good to know I can just pluck him off and sit him on the counter and the wall ripen at different times so I don't have to use them all at once

[@terrih57]

That was a very informative video. Great that you include your children in the experiment. And the fact that you can as well, Amazing! Just subscribed

[@sderic917]

Love that the kids are in this with you ❤

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@vlrissolo]

Thank you for that fantastic information! I just had to pull a bunch of green tomatoes as it is the middle of November and they still haven't turned red and there should be a frost tonight. I knew there was a way to ripen them but I just couldn't remember in your video put the others to shame! Thank you so much

[@DIYwithDave]

You are too kind, thank you!! One other thing to think about for the future is towards the end of the season cut off the tops of your tomatoes. All of the energy will be put into the remaining fruit and they will grow larger and ripen more quickly.

[@vlrissolo]

@@DIYwithDave great! thank you yet again!

[@yohann1960]

Thank you. This is my 1st year growing more than Basil and I've read about apples and bananas and now I don't have do waste any time.

[@DIYwithDave]

Glad I could help. Happy gardening!

[@mayatuck]

The look from your daughter at 2:00. Cherish that. That look of daddy is Superman, Spiderman, Ironman, and all my favorite princesses wrapped into one amazing, can do-no-wrong, protector. Thanks buddy👍

[@dead_or_alive2649]

Thank you for your video and your children are beautiful. May the learn everything they need from your obvious loving hands!

[@diniemadsen4778]

What a cute kids they are and what a great dad, loving family

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks for watching!

[@albertbell7120]

My mother used to wrap them in a wool jumper and leave in the dark airing cupboard which was quite warm … always worked miss you Mam🇬🇧

[@SeanHapeman]

Great Video! Thank you so much for the information. The experiment with the kids is really great too. Good thinking my man! Great work!

[@poppagsworld7294]

Great information and it’s awesome to see you working with the kids.

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@cindyjean3208]

What a good dad!!! Looks like he teaches his kids gardening, canning and the benefits of both… No doubt they will do it when they are grown… I can attest to that.. my dad taught me.. Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is grown he shall not depart from it.. sounds like a nice promise to me…🙏🏻😇💕 Blessed be the name of the Lord

[@user-MzMiya]

This was an awesome experiment and it included the kids! I love this❤❤❤ !!

[@Aw_tig]

Awww great video, love that your involving your kids

[@kansascityonline]

thanks Dave!.. Oct 17 2022 here and we have a 50yr record cold tonight at 22F.. Lots of green maters outside because of our hot summer and non-growing season.. I too thought just put them out in the light and let em do their thing!

[@DIYwithDave]

Good luck! Keep warm!!

[@annmcnitt8749]

Great job with your kids, Dad!!

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@Sunnybe3vh]

Thank you so much for letting us know which way is better, I have a lot of green tomatoes in my backyard so I will take care of them today 👍👍👍👍

[@DIYwithDave]

Good luck!!

[@annabrown4404]

I have as well. That’s why I am on this channel.

[@landrylouvenia1105]

Awesome experiment for kids!Kids!! Great job dad!!

[@arejetko]

Great experiment - looks like the simplest method was the best. Good to know, thanks!

[@Goose736]

I have a plant that is starting to produce tomatoes and I did not know when to harvest them thank you for helping

[@DIYwithDave]

No problem. Generally, wait until they change to red and then use them right away, but late in the season before the first frost you will want to harvest them all or they will be ruined.

[@ozziestrom9793]

Fried green tomatoes with Italian breadcrumbs. You can also cool them, freeze them and use as you please, like an Eggplant Parmesan, sandwiches etc. Yummy

[@DIYwithDave]

That sounds amazing!

[@checkyoursix5623]

I have a 24x24 pole barn, and I've found that pulling up the entire tomato-bearing plants, roots and all, right before first frost, and hanging them upside down on S-hooks from the exposed roof trusses, will give me fresh tomatoes for the next several weeks. Another method my mom used to use was to put a tomato or two in a paper sack with a banana, and for some reason, it'll ripen right up.

[@candyflair7946]

Excellant video! Experimenting to see what works is fun and educational. I experiment all of the time. There are no real mistakes because one learns what dosen't work as well as what works.

[@tonyostrowski8472]

I'm trying to see what team you're supporting in the PAC 12; I am partial to Washington State myself(Go Cougs). But I will forever and always be a Wisconsin Badgers fanatic, GO BADGERS!!!!!

[@heidibear44]

Super simple and super helpful, thank you! You have wonderful kids ❤

[@DIYwithDave]

Thanks!

[@bababetty08]

The best vid on this! Thank you for the demo! Your kuds are lucky.

[@ericd.5586]

fantastic experiment awesome kids. its my first time with tomato plants you helped me. thank you !!!!!

[@robvannNS]

My mom always put them on the window sill with a lot of sun. That seems to work but it would be interesting to use that as a comparison.

[@SloppyJoeLee]

Awesome video, thanks, I loved the incorporation of the kiddos. Thanks for the research 🧐

[@DIYwithDave]

Glad you liked it!

[@lemagreengreen]

I honestly think it's 99% about warmth, I've never actually tested it though. I just put them in a box indoors and take out the red ones as needed :)

[@DIYwithDave]

You may be right.

[@jointgib]

i think that's right. Away from the damp and cold they soldier on@@DIYwithDave

[@montygeach8130]

Love your lab assistants !