Reduce and/or stop watering to end this season?????

RomanX · August 22, 2016

I must end this tomato season early (in 2 weeks) to get ready to go into surgery. I remember something about watering to stimulate the plant into ripening the fruit they already have. . .

I have my 8 plants (six different varieties and two the same) in a variety of containers: top-watering 5-gal buckets and 18-in patio container, as well as self-watering Earthbuckets.

Right now, the plants in: 5-gal buckets take 1/2 gal twice a day; 18-in patio container takes 1 1/3 gal twice a day; one Earthbucket takes 1/2 gal twice a day while the other Earthbucket takes 2/3-3/4 gal twice a day.

Plants in two 5-gal buckets, the 18-in patio container and one Earthbucket are still producing.

Do I reduce or stop watering?? (My garden helper will cut them down Sept 1.)

dmforcier · August 22, 2016

Well, in the pepper community a common practice is to cut the plant off at the base, leaving the fruits on, then hang the whole thing upside down in the garage to allow what fruits that will to ripen, protected from frost and predators. I don't know if this will work all that will with large tomatoes.

AFAIK, rhe amount of water doesn't make a difference, unless the plant dies of thirst.

But I have to ask, why end so early if you have a helper? NC should have over a month of season left, even at high altitudes.

RomanX · August 23, 2016

Since space in my 1 bedroom apartment is at a premium, bringing inside & hanging upside down even only my SMALLEST plant. . . is not an option.

My garden helper is 15 years old, who lives about 30-40 minutes away

What with surgery and rehab, I won't return home for 2-3 months.

My best solution: my tomato plants must die!!!

dmforcier · August 23, 2016

Well, take all the fruits that look anything like full size. You may be surprised at what ripens.

And bona fortuna with your treatment!

Gerardo · August 23, 2016

A hefty fertilize to push the few that are near and then stop watering. Pick them off during your convalescence. Garden helper comes in when they're all gone.

Cole_Robbie · August 23, 2016

Good luck with your surgery.

August 22, 2016	#1
RomanX Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: North Carolina Posts: 119	Reduce and/or stop watering to end this season????? I must end this tomato season early (in 2 weeks) to get ready to go into surgery. I remember something about watering to stimulate the plant into ripening the fruit they already have. . . I have my 8 plants (six different varieties and two the same) in a variety of containers: top-watering 5-gal buckets and 18-in patio container, as well as self-watering Earthbuckets. Right now, the plants in: 5-gal buckets take 1/2 gal twice a day; 18-in patio container takes 1 1/3 gal twice a day; one Earthbucket takes 1/2 gal twice a day while the other Earthbucket takes 2/3-3/4 gal twice a day. Plants in two 5-gal buckets, the 18-in patio container and one Earthbucket are still producing. Do I reduce or stop watering?? (My garden helper will cut them down Sept 1.)

August 22, 2016	#2
dmforcier Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,825	Well, in the pepper community a common practice is to cut the plant off at the base, leaving the fruits on, then hang the whole thing upside down in the garage to allow what fruits that will to ripen, protected from frost and predators. I don't know if this will work all that will with large tomatoes. AFAIK, rhe amount of water doesn't make a difference, unless the plant dies of thirst. But I have to ask, why end so early if you have a helper? NC should have over a month of season left, even at high altitudes. __________________ Stupidity got us into this mess. Why can't it get us out? - Will Rogers

August 23, 2016	#4
dmforcier Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,825	Well, take all the fruits that look anything like full size. You may be surprised at what ripens. And bona fortuna with your treatment! __________________ Stupidity got us into this mess. Why can't it get us out? - Will Rogers

August 23, 2016	#5
Gerardo Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego-Tijuana Posts: 2,598	A hefty fertilize to push the few that are near and then stop watering. Pick them off during your convalescence. Garden helper comes in when they're all gone.

August 23, 2016	#6
Cole_Robbie Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Illinois, zone 6 Posts: 8,407	Good luck with your surgery.