Ita, I have read on the forum that irregular watering and drying, droopy leaves, makes for tougher, thicker skins of the ripe toms. That's why I have been trying to make sure the toms never dry out. All my previous effort at growing toms outdoors have made for tough fruit (I don't have a greenhouse). I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. x
There are a lot of variables at work with thick skins. Some varieties are just more thick-skinned than others. It's genetic. It's a good idea to know as much as you can about your variety. Not just for skin thickness but for predisposition to disease and problems like Blossom End Rot.
If a variety isn't known for a thick skin, and it turns up with thick skin, it can be the plant's defence mechanism kicking in. Eg, a thicker skin will help preserve moisture within the tomato if the moisture content drops, either due to watering or very hot weather. Clever things, toms.
Argh! That's just unfair. They've turned from dark green so the ripening has started but a decent way to go. Sit them on their shoulders in the shade outside while it's still warm. Unprotected in the sun could mean sunburn.
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If a variety isn't known for a thick skin, and it turns up with thick skin, it can be the plant's defence mechanism kicking in. Eg, a thicker skin will help preserve moisture within the tomato if the moisture content drops, either due to watering or very hot weather. Clever things, toms.
Don’t know if this lot will ripen off the plant. Any tips?