The Mixed Blessing of Summer Rain

[StephenCoote]

I've lived in Nelson, New Zealand for a long time. I generally expect a fairly dry summer and we've often had water restrictions at this time of the year. This summer, however, has been relatively wet. Although I still water my pots and raised beds quite frequently, I haven't had to water my main garden as much.

I generally appreciate any summer rain. There is something about rain that makes me feel good. And of course it is great to know that the thirsty gardens and hillsides are getting a drink.

We had maybe an eighth of an inch rain forecast for yesterday afternoon. However it started raining in the morning and we got at least an inch. While this was mostly beneficial, it did have the side-effect of splitting some of my beloved fruit. I'm guessing the Orange Oxhearts shown below will still be OK.... even if their skin has split and their taste possibly somewhat 'blanderized' by the abundance of water.

[Gardeneer]

I would pick them and take inside, let it finish ripening. The cracks might heal.

[StephenCoote]

Good idea thanks Gardeneer. I'll do that.

About two weeks ago we had a big wind and couple of clusters of larger tomatoes ripped off the vines. They were green and hard. I've kept them in a warm spot and they are becoming quite red. I dunno what they will taste like eventually, but things look promising.

I sometimes pick tomatoes to ripen inside, but I generally leave them until they are well-coloured.

[Gardeneer]

Talking about summer rain: Since I water my plants individually by a shower head wand, a good soaking rain now and then is very good. But I don't like high winds.

When to pick tomatoes ?
There are different views. My understanding is that tomatoes ( as well as other fruits : melons, apples, pears ..) do not get any thing from the mother plant after certain age/point and ripening takes place inside the fruits. I buy lots of pears that feel like a rock. After keeping them on the counter they become soft , juicy and sweet.
In tomatoes, this stage is color break stage. This has more advantages , like not losing them to birds, squirrels, rats ,,, .

[StephenCoote]

Thanks for your thoughts on picking.

We grow a fair bit of fruit in our garden, but for a considerable part of the year we don't have our own fresh fruit. Plus our garden is comparatively small, so I can't grow everything that I'd like to have. Knowing what tree (or vine) ripened fruit tastes like, I am mostly disappointed in the stuff we buy from supermarkets etc. So I guess I have a bit of a mantra in my head saying that only ripe fruit should be picked. I think you are right though Gardeneer. I've had good results ripening pears inside. And I can see the wisdom in picking tomatoes before they are fully ripe. We don't have squirrels here, and the birds don't seem to eat my tomatoes.... but we do have vegetable bugs, grandchildren and a big dog. I should at least pick my 'prize' tomatoes when they start to redden up while they are still blemish-free.

I just fried up some 'halved' Alicante tomatoes for breakfast. These have been fairly bland eaten raw. The cooked ones were nice to eat with salt and pepper, but the flavour was quite subtle.