When to pick tomatoes and what veggies to plant now?

[toomanyshoes]

We just moved into our new place and there is 2 tomato plants, one looks like cherry tomatoes and the other just normal ones.

I've read a bazillion different websites and they all say something different. But a lot has said once summer is over if there is any green ones left to pick them and ripen them inside. Is that right?

Also I really want to start growing some veggies with the kids so whats good to plant now and what works well in pots/tubs?

Thanks

[Miss.September]

We've now pulled out our tomato plants - the green ones that were left didn't ripen. The last red ones we had were starting to be more on the sour side. Maybe if you have some red ones, or starting to be red, bring them in and see what they taste like. That will tell you if they're done for the season. I just put them in a bowl on the bench and use them as they ripen.

We've planted peas in pods, which are fun for kids (well I reckon anyway), and carrots because the leafy green is fun, but to pull out something orange is even cooler! Everything we grow is in a really narrow garden bed (like not even half a metre off the fence) and it all goes well. DD is 2 and is fascinated when we go out to pick something. Have fun!

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

Oh we want to start a veg garden so will be interested to see what people say, is it best to wait til spring to plant?

[Miss.September]

I don't think it matters what time of year, ZF. Two weeks ago we put in peas, broccoli and a new batch of beetroot and all have sprouted. If you're going to start with seeds from packets, the packets show on the back what to plant in what area of Australia at what time of year, ITMS. Some things can be planted all year around, others are more seasonal.

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

Thanks hun, were going to do a big veggie patch, maybe i should enlist your gardening services

[Miss.September]

LOL, I'm not a green thumb at all, just learning as I go!!!!!!!! If it dies, I give something else a go!!


ETA - That sounded terrible. ZF, be happy to give you a hand

Toomanyshoes - I'm just looking in a book that I have, and it says for all areas of Australia, plant broad beans, broccoli, cabbage, herbs, lettuce, onions, silver beet (BLERGH!!!), peas, spinach and radishes. If you're in a sub tropical climate, plant Asian vegies, beans, beetroot, capsicums, carrots, cucumber, eggplant, parsnip, sweetcorn, squash, tomatoes and zucchini. Hope that helps!

[krystals]

Toomanyshoes- great list from PacRakMG for what to plant!

In terms of the tomatoes, we picked all of ours a couple of weeks ago- they were still green, but ripened inside (don't put them in the fridge). They were still pretty small and were the sweetest of the entire season x