Green tomatoes - Ask Extension
I have an abundance of large green tomatoes in my garden. They have been green for about 3 weeks and no sign of them turning red. Is there any hope ...
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Green tomatoes #946205
Asked September 30, 2026, 6:41 PM EDT
I have an abundance of large green tomatoes in my garden. They have been green for about 3 weeks and no sign of them turning red. Is there any hope for them or can I bring them inside to ripen? I have 13 plants and they are loaded, breaks my heart I can’t use them. We e had a lot of fried green tomatoes aloes. Thank you very much!!!
Freeborn County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thanks of the question. Yes, there is hope of them ripping indoors. Store unripe fruits at room temperature, one layer deep, spaced apart without touching each other. Occasionally a tomato may spoil so I like to place them on a layer of newspaper. A wet spot makes it easy to see when one is spoiling. Light is not necessary. Warm temperatures (room temps are fine) are more important than light in ripening the fruit. Fruit will ripen over the next few weeks. Check them often and eat them as they ripen.
Paul -Master Gardener volunteer
