When to Harvest Tomatoes

Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they have developed their full colour and feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. Harvesting at the right time helps tomatoes taste better and encourages plants to keep producing fruit.

In the UK, tomatoes are usually harvested from mid-summer through early autumn, depending on when they were planted.

Regular harvesting helps plants stay productive.

Signs tomatoes are ready to pick

Most tomatoes are ready to harvest when:

• they have turned red, yellow, or their final colour

• the fruit feels slightly soft

• they detach easily from the stem

Tomatoes often continue to ripen after picking.

Harvesting regularly

Checking plants every few days helps prevent fruit from becoming overripe.

Regular harvesting encourages plants to produce more tomatoes.

This is especially helpful during warm summer weather.

Harvesting before cold weather

As autumn approaches, any remaining tomatoes can be picked before cold temperatures arrive.

Green tomatoes can sometimes ripen indoors in a warm place.

This helps make use of late-season fruit.

Caring for plants during harvest

Tomato plants often continue producing fruit for several weeks.

Continue:

• watering regularly

• feeding plants

• supporting stems

Healthy plants usually produce tomatoes over a long period.

For watering advice, see how often to water tomato plants.

Tomato harvest season in the UK

Most outdoor tomatoes are harvested between July and September, although greenhouse tomatoes may produce earlier.

The exact timing depends on weather and planting dates.

For planting advice, see when to plant tomatoes in the UK

Enjoying homegrown tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow.

Harvesting them at the right time improves flavour and encourages continued growth.

For full growing advice, see how to grow tomatoes in the UK.