You can leave them out there on the plants until the first frost threatens.

Rodney

Agree. The fruit won't be affected until the temps get down into the mid-thirties.

Dave

Really? I thought that was the case if they had reached full size and just hadn't started to turn pale green yet. With the tomatoes that haven't reached full size, I was afraid cool nights would cause some damage. I will definitely let them stay on the vines for a few more weeks if I can wait until the first frost.

I don't know what's causing it but a lot of tomatoes are beginning to crack. I was thinking the cooler temps, especially at night since the rains haven't really started yet.

Yeah, Vince, I am getting some cracked ones to. I think it is due to temps drop at night ( Day 70F, night 43F ?).

About pickling: It is best to make pickle from the most UNRIPE and smaller tomatoes. They are usually tangy and will stay crunchier.

How long can you leave them on the vine ? As mentioned til before the frost. However if you get some disease ( like grey mold ..) even green tomatoes will be damaged.

Sey

Because of the lack of rain, they still taste great

Oh that's good to know Vince! Mine are cracking like mad and I haven't thought to water them this late in the year - duh!

I have not watered in about 10 days but I guess they don't need it. Maybe today I will water.

Btw, it did rain a little but not much and has been rather cool.

I have not been watering lately either. I checked the soil the other day . It was moist.

Good news ! We are not getting much rain and it is still better than normal for the end of September and the nest 2 weeks forecast also looks pretty good. The hi's are averaging about 68-70F and lows around 47,48F. mostly sunny, partly cloudy.

I drink to that !

Sey