Hey fellow garden enthusiasts! I'm just getting into gardening, and I've come across a claim that we should stop watering tomato plants to help the fruits ripen faster. Does anyone know if there's any truth to this? Also, if it's a good idea, when exactly should I stop watering them? I'm in Toronto (zone 6b), and it's been really hot here lately, so I'm concerned about the plants' health.
3 Answers
As an amateur gardener who's grown tomatoes for a while, I usually give mine a deep soak roughly every 3 days. This year, with the extreme heat, I've upped that to every 2 days! Even so, I notice they slow down a bit mid-August. I rarely stop watering completely until the end of September when I can't pick any more tomatoes! Just stay consistent with your watering for good growth and ripening.
From what I've read, stopping watering is a commercial technique called dry farming meant to speed up ripening, but it typically reduces the overall yield of your plants. Personally, I’ve been in a similar spot in Durham Region without rain and plan to keep watering my tomatoes until the fall rains kick in. Even under watering restrictions, I wouldn’t let my food plants suffer! It’s a tricky balance though; too little water can lead to blossom end rot, while too much can cause splitting. Just find that happy medium!
I agree with the idea of being cautious. It might make sense to withhold water if a lot of rain is coming, as that can cause splitting. But let’s be real—tomatoes ripen based on their maturity and temperature, not just water. I hardly water my garden after the initial planting; if the roots are established, they can usually find what they need. Just keep an eye out for cracks when it rains again! If you see a hint of blush on a fruit, pick it and let it ripen indoors to protect it from pests.