An early end to my season???

[spyfferoni]

We've gotten more rain in the last 12 hours than we've had all summer. Will this cause all of my green, and almost ripe fruit to crack? I had high hopes for the next couple of weeks.

Thanks,
Tyffanie

[feldon30]

I never leave nearly-ripe fruit on the vine.

[Suze]

Pick anything with a blush if there's still time (if they haven't split or cracked yet). The greenies might be okay, depending on the variety and how well your soil drains.

I've been known to get my umbrella out and go pick in the rain before.

[Hilde]

Originally Posted by feldon30

I never leave nearly-ripe fruit on the vine.

You always pick before they are ripe? Why is that?

[feldon30]

Rain splits the fruit, and that's if it doesn't rest on the tops of the fruit causing corking. Stink bugs bite the fruit, causing major damage. And mockingbirds are a persistent pest bird in Houston. Mockingbirds ignore all typical bird control products and do not eat tomatoes for thirst but for curiousity.

And since there is absolutely no effect on flavor, why risk it?

[spyfferoni]

Well, it is starting to warm up and hopefully dry out a bit. At least the storm didn't cause power outages here like it did in some near by areas. It started late last night and lasted through the entire night and morning. I don't remember the last time I've heard so much thunder. I picked an Earl's Faux that was still hard but starting to blush pink this morning that hadn't split. I haven't had a chance to check everything, but luckily I picked everything that was ripe or near it the last couple of days. I guess I'll have to keep checking the next couple of days and see what the damage is. Luckily we didn't get any of the hail that accompanied the storm in some areas.

My yard slightly slopes, so I'm, hoping that will help the soil drain. only time will tell.

Morgan---Are you still in Montana? I hope you are having a good time!

Tyffanie

[feldon30]

Oops. Knew I forgot to change something. Yes back in Houston since Saturday night. Was a very nice trip.

[spyfferoni]

Well, I spoke too soon. Another wave of severe thunderstorms is passing through. This time we did get hail. When the rain lets up I'll go out and check the hail damage. Crazy weather we are having. Usually weather like this happens in June. I wonder how this will effect out state fair, as the produce entries were due today, with judging tomorrow. I was going to enter a few things, but its not worth the drive in bad weather.

Tyffanie